"He is."
"I like him. He appears well. I like him for his mother's sake. I wrote to her, offering to assist him in his education, but the offer was declined, and the money returned. Why was it? Does she retain a prejudice against me?"
"I presume not. She is at peace with all mankind, and with her Maker. The young man has a very independent, self-relying spirit. Probably he dictated the letter you received."
"Was that before he was engaged to Susan?"
"When did you write her?"
"Immediately after my return to the city."
"They were not engaged then, at least not in form."
"As things now are, would he refuse to receive aid from me?"
"I do not know. Susan can probably tell."
"I must speak with her on the subject."