Gerald began to think that Mr. Crane, despite his relationship to Mrs. Lane and Abel, was a man of excellent sense.
"I wonder what sort of a welcome he will get," he thought.
He had considerable doubt whether it would be very cordial.
By this time they had reached a point in the road from which the Lane mansion was visible.
"That is where your sister lives," he said, pointing to it.
"You don't say! Well, it is a nice place. Melindy has feathered her nest pretty well."
"That is true enough," said Gerald to himself.
"It's lucky I fell in with you, young man. You didn't tell me your name."
"Gerald—I am Gerald Lane."
"I wish you was my nephew instead of Abel. How long has Abel been here?"