"I suppose you have some object in coming to this city?"
"Yes; I came to see you."
"Upon my word, I ought to feel flattered, but I can't do anything for you. I have some reputation in charitable circles, but I have my hands full here."
"I have not come to ask you a favor, Mr. Browning. If you will allow me, I will ask your advice in a matter of importance to me."
Browning brightened up. He was always ready to give advice.
"Go on!" he said.
"When I was a young boy my father went to California. He left my mother, my brother, and myself very poorly provided for, but he hoped to earn money at the mines. A year passed, and we heard of his death."
"A good many men die in California," said Browning, phlegmatically.
"We could not learn that father left anything, and we were compelled to get long as we could. Mother obtained sewing to do at low prices, and I sold papers."
"A common experience!" said Browning, coldly.