"Yes, I am going away for a short time."
"Where?"
"To St. Louis."
"On business for Mr. Ferguson?"
"No, it is on my own business."
"I suppose it has something to do with his uncle," thought Maurice, but he thought it most prudent not to say this.
"How long do you expect to be gone?" he asked.
"I don't know—it depends on how successful I am."
"Bessie Benton will miss you," said Maurice, sarcastically.
"So she said," answered Gilbert quietly, appreciating his motive.