"And you wish to rejoin him?"
"No, but to foil him in his wicked plans. I learned, four days since, that he was about to marry an estimable lady in Chicago, wholly forgetful of the wife he had deserted. I felt that there was no time to lose. As I knew my father would not consent to my journeying alone on such an errand, I departed from San Francisco secretly, and, as it proved, with insufficient money. You came to my assistance, and I shall take care that you do not lose by it."
"I have no anxiety on that point," said Paul.
"But I do not wish you to suffer for your kindness. You can do me still another favor."
"What is that?"
"When we reach Chicago I do not wish to go to a hotel. If your mother will allow me to stay with her temporarily, I shall feel much indebted to her and to you."
"My mother lives in a very plain—indeed, in an humble style."
"As if I cared for that. I know she is good, since she has a good son."
Paul saw no objection, and, on reaching Chicago, took the lady at once to his mother's lodgings.