"I had a letter from him this autumn, saying he expected to return to St. Louis before winter. He spoke about you, and about his wife and daughter. I have heard nothing from them since."
"He would have been here a fortnight ago if his wife had not been sick."
"Young man, do you know the character of this house?" said Mr. Gracewood, looking at me very sharply.
"I do, sir, very well indeed; and the character of the man who has just left us."
"How do you happen to be in such a place, then?"
"I was enticed here by Lynch, who wanted to plunder me of certain property in my possession; but I understand him, and he won't make anything out of me."
"Perhaps you wonder that I am here," he added, looking upon the floor, as though he considered his own position more equivocal than mine.
"I confess that I do, sir, especially as you look like an invalid, and I see you have your arm in a sling."
"I would not have my brother know that I am here for all the world, for I judge from the tone of his letter that a great change has come over him. He talks to me of the mercies of God, which I feel that I need more than all else on earth. I am overwhelmed with shame at my situation."