The
young man sat back in his chair.
"A. Rodgers Warren was your brother?" he cried.
"Um-hm. Seems to stagger you some. Contrast between us as big as all
that comes to?"
"But--but, Captain Warren--Your brother--Tell me, is Miss Caroline
Warren your niece?"
"She is. And Steve is my nephew. 'Tain't possible you're acquainted with
them?"
Pearson rose to his feet. "Is--They used to live on the Avenue," he
said. "But you said you were visiting. Captain Warren, is this your
niece's apartment?"
"Yes, hers and Steve's. Why, what's the matter? Ain't goin', are you?"
"I think perhaps I had better. It is getting late."
"Late! It's only the shank of the evenin'. Jim, I ain't so blind that I
can't see through an open window. It ain't the lateness that makes you
want to leave so sudden. Is there some trouble between you and Caroline?
Course, it's none of my business, and you needn't tell me unless you
want to."
The answer was prompt enough.
"No," replied Pearson. "No. I assure you there is nothing of that kind.
I--I met Miss Warren. In fact, at one time we were well acquainted. I
have the very highest opinion of her. But I think it is best to--"
"Just a minute now. No trouble with Steve? He's a boy and at an age when
he's pretty well satisfied with himself and you have to make allowance.
Pages:
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145