They went into a pleasant sitting-room, where Rupert was invited to sit down.
"That was an old family servant," exclaimed Sylvester. "If you hadn't been with me she would have taken me to task, for she saw I had been drinking."
CHAPTER III. IN A TIGHT PLACE.
Presently Rachel announced tea. Sylvester had bathed his face, and thus removed some of the indications of his conviviality.
The house was handsomely furnished. The room in which the tea table was spread was particularly cozy and comfortable, and when he took his seat at the table, Rupert could not help wishing that his mother could be with him.
"What are you thinking about, Rupert?" asked Frank Sylvester, who noticed his expression.
Rupert hesitated.
"Come, tell me. I am your friend."