"Poor Conrad has a terrible toothache! He is afraid he won't be able to go with you to Simpson's. Will you kindly excuse him?"
Mrs. Hamilton expected some such excuse.
"I will take Ben, then," she said.
"Are you going to keep that boy—after what be has done?" asked the housekeeper.
"It is inconvenient for me to part with him just yet."
"Then—I hope you will excuse the suggestion—I advise you to keep your bureau drawers locked."
"I think it best myself," said Mrs. Hamilton. Is Conrad's toothache very bad?"
"The poor fellow is in great pain."
When Ben was invited by Mrs. Hamilton to go to the pawnbroker's he made no objection.
"It is only fair to tell you, Ben," said Mrs. Hamilton, that the person who pawned the opera glass gave your name."