The next day Mr. Nugent was surprised by a call from Mrs. Lane.
He lifted his eyes a little as she was shown into his presence. He knew her by sight, but had never spoken to her, beyond exchanging formal greetings.
"I must apologize for intruding upon you, Mr. Nugent," she said, "but I am led to do so by some information which Gerald, my stepson, has given me."
Mr. Nugent bowed, and waited to hear more.
"Gerald informed me last evening that you had offered him employment. I did not know whether to put confidence in his statement."
"Why not?" asked the old gentleman, curtly.
"Because I thought it might be only an excuse for leaving Mr. Tubbs."
"Gerald is incapable of falsehood."
"I am glad you have so good an opinion of him. Then do I understand that you have offered him employment?"
"I have."