"Yes, I have seen him. He was a sober, steady young man apparently, who ingratiated himself with Mr. Baldwin, whom he deceived as to his real character."
"What relation was he to Uncle Matthew?"
"Very distant, but he seemed near, having been in his employ for several years. He collected rents and attended to other necessary matters."
"If he was ever sober and steady, he has changed a good deal."
"Did Mr. Brief give him the money he asked for?"
"Not all he wanted. He gave him one hundred dollars, and reminded him that he was only at liberty to pay over to him the income of the estate—that is, for the first twelve months."
"Quite right!" murmured Mr. Benton.
"He lectured him upon his extravagance and fast life, and warned him that he must check himself."
"He did right."
"What I dislike most about this John Tremlett was the way in which he spoke of Uncle Matthew," said Ben.