Athelstan nodded. 'A bold thing to do. However——Twenty-one to-morrow—we shall see.'
'And I am sorry to say there is the greatest opposition—on the part of your mother and your other sister. I am not allowed in the house, and Elsie is treated as a rebel.'
'Oh! well. If you see your way, my boy, get married, and have a happy life, and leave them to come round at their leisure. Elsie has a heart of gold. She can believe in a man. She is the only one of my people who stood up for me when they accused me without a shadow of proof of—— The only one—the only one. It is impossible for me to forget that—and difficult,' he added, 'to forgive the other thing.—Is my sister Hilda still at home?'
'No. She is married to Sir Samuel, brother of your Mr. Dering. He is a great deal older than his wife; but he is very rich.'
'Oh!—and my mother?'
'I believe she continues in good health. I am not allowed the privilege of calling upon her.'
'And my old chief?'
'He also continues well.'
'And now, since we have cleared the ground so far, let us come to business. How about that robbery?'
'What robbery?' The old business had taken place when George was a lad just entering upon his articles. He had ceased to think of it.