This was strictly a fact; though Vance knew very well that the matter at which he hinted was not in the slightest danger of ever being settled in his mother’s favor at that late day.
“You don’t say,” replied Dudley, an incredulous smile curling his lips.
“As to Mr. Whitemore,” added Vance, “my experience in his employ is that he is not accustomed to send a boy like me to execute important business.”
“That’s true,” winked Dudley, putting down the glass he had just drained; “but then one can never tell just what Whitemore may do. He’s as shrewd as they make them nowadays.”
To this remark Vance made no answer.
“How long are you going to stay in town?” said Guy Dudley, changing the subject.
“I may leave to-morrow and I may not,” replied his companion evasively.
“A short stay, eh? Well, you ought to make it a merry one. What are you going to do with yourself to-night?”
“I think I shall go to the theater,” said Vance carelessly.
“Just what I was going to propose,” said Dudley, with suppressed eagerness. “You must come with me. There is a good show at Hyde & Beaman’s. S’pose we go there?”