"Very well. I will get you ready to start for Montana on Monday."
When Gerald reached home it was five minutes past ten o'clock. Abel met him at the door.
"Ma says she won't have you comin' home so late," he said. "She'll give it to you!"
CHAPTER XVI
MRS. LANE'S SURPRISE
Considering his new and brilliant prospects, Gerald was not particularly disturbed by Abel's words. He didn't take the trouble to reply, but went at once into the sitting-room, where, with a frowning face, Mrs. Lane awaited him.
"This is a fine time to come home," she said, abruptly.
"It is rather late, Mrs. Lane," said Gerald, calmly, "but I could not very well reach home earlier."
"Did you come from the store as soon as it closed?"
"No, madam."