"Why should I?"
"You might think I was jealous on account of my own boy."
"There is no occasion for you to be jealous."
"No, of course not. I am sure Conrad and I have abundant cause to be grateful to you."
"That is not telling me what you came to tell," said Mrs. Hamilton impatiently.
"I am afraid you are deceived in the boy, Cousin Hamilton."
"In what respect?"
"I am almost sorry I had not kept the matter secret. If I did not consider it my duty to you, I would have done so."
"Be kind enough to speak at once. You need not apologize, nor hesitate on my account. What has Ben been doing?"
"On Tuesday evening he was seen coming out of a well-known gambling house."