"Sit down." said Mr. Flint.
Austen sat down, with the corner of the desk between them, while Mr.
Flint opened the boxes and began checking off the papers on the list.
"How is your father this afternoon?" he asked, without looking up.
"As well as can be expected," said Austen.
"Of course nobody knew his condition but himself," Mr. Flint continued; "but it was a great shock to me—when he resigned as my counsel three days ago."
Austen laid his forearm on the desk, and his hand closed.
"He resigned three days ago?" he exclaimed.
Mr. Flint was surprised, but concealed it.
"I can understand, under the circumstances, how he has overlooked telling you. His resignation takes effect to-day."
Austen was silent a moment, while he strove to apply this fact to his father's actions.