Mrs. Lane lived in the old mansion that had belonged to his father. Abel also lived with her. He had teased her to go to the city to live, but she hesitated, partly from motives of prudence and partly from a thought of the temptations to which she feared Abel would yield.
She did not find her son a source of satisfaction. He was irritable and unpleasant in his manner, and a source of anxiety to her.
One day he came in and broke out: "What do you think I heard this morning?"
"I don't know. You had better tell me at once."
"Gerald is on his way home."
"Is he indeed? Who told you?"
"Munroe Hill. He lives near Mr. Nugent, you know. Mr. Nugent told him. Are you going to let him come here?"
"I don't know," replied Mrs. Lane, hesitatingly. "I presume he has some money."
"Then let him pay board. You can't afford to support him."
"People might say ill-natured things, as I received all my money from his father."