“And what brings you now?”
“I'm all but demobilized,” Bob told him, “and I'm trying to get employment.”
“What—in this office?”
“Heavens, no!” ejaculated Bob, and at once turned a fine red. “That is—I beg your pardon, sir; but I'm afraid I'm not cut out for an office. I want to get something to do in the country, where I can support my sister.”
“Your sister? But does not your father support her? She is an inmate of his house, is she not?”
“Very much so,” said Bob bitterly. “She's governess, and lady-help, and a good many other things. You couldn't call it a home. Besides, we have always been together. I want to take her away.”
“And what does your father say?”
“He says she mustn't go. At least, that's what my stepmother says, so my father will certainly say it too.”
“Your sister is under age, I think?”
“She's just nineteen—I'm over twenty-two. Can my father prevent her going with me, sir?”