Presently he conducted us to my stepmother, who greeted me with a great show of cordiality and some tears.

She had grown old fast since I left home, but she had artfully disguised the evidences of age upon her face and neck.

Why had I stayed away so long?
What had she done to deserve such shameful neglect?
These and other questions taxed my wits for an answer that would neither outrage my own conscience nor offend her.

Mr.Cobb, who had just returned from his office, suddenly entered the room.

His face assumed an ashen pallor, and he stared at me quite dumfounded for a moment, when I arose and stood before him.
"It is Kendric.