"My stepmother," corrected Gerald.
"Oh, well, it's all the same."
"I don't think so."
"She's a very sensible woman. I agreed with her to keep you. There are some that wouldn't after what happened this week; but I don't want to be too hard upon you, considerin' you are so young, and I said I would keep you, trustin' that all will be satisfactory here after."
"Mr. Tubbs, I have something to say to that. I shall leave you to-night."
"But your mother won't allow it. You are only a boy, and——"
"I am going to work for Mr. Nugent on Monday, Mr. Tubbs."
"What can he have for you to do?" asked the grocer in surprise.
"I am to go on a journey for him, and attend to some business."
"That's cu'rus. What can a boy like you do?"