“It seems,” said she, sharply, “that Mr. Briggs is not the only fool in the city.”
“I wonder what father would say to hear that,” chuckled Randolph.
“You know what I mean. He was perfectly infatuated with that Greyson boy; and now it appears that Mr. Vivian is just as much of a dupe.”
“He’s very artful,” suggested Randolph.
“That is the very word to use,” said Mrs. Briggs, energetically. “It does credit to your insight into character.”
“I always thought he was artful,” said Randolph, much flattered.
“He never deceived me,” said his mother, emphatically. “I felt instinctively that he was a boy to be shunned. I dare say he would like to ingratiate himself with your father so far as to induce him to adopt him, and put him on an equality with you.”
“By gracious, I hope not,” exclaimed Randolph, alarmed.
“He shall never do it with my consent,” said Mrs. Briggs, energetically. “Fortunately you have a mother, who is devoted to you, my son.”
“Of course you are, mother. You won’t let father pay Gilbert’s board, after he gets back will you?”