I was rising to bid them 'good-evening,' when the senior said to me:
'Mr. Kirke, I dislike to trespass on your time, but I would like to confer with you for a moment, on a private matter.'
'Certainly, sir.' And I added: 'Frank, tell your mother I will meet you at the hotel in half an hour.'
'But I must be in Cambridge by eight o'clock,' replied the young man, looking a little chop-fallen.
'Well, don't wait for me—I will see you to-morrow.'
Bidding me 'good-night,' he left; and Mr. Cragin, seeing that his partner would be alone with me, left shortly afterward. As soon as Cragin was gone, Mr. Hallet, opening the door, called:
'David!'
The book-keeper entered, and took a seat beside me.
'Mr. Kirke,' said Mr. Hallet, when the other was seated, 'I want to talk with you and David about Frank. He has entangled himself with that Southern girl, and, I hear, means to marry her. I strongly object to it. I've not a particle of influence with him, and you must prevent it.'
'Why should we prevent it?' I asked, rather sharply. 'What is there against the young woman?'