It was during his absence that his mother had married Squire Plausaby, and had moved to Minnesota.

He wanted to see everybody at home.
His sister had written him favorable accounts of his step-father; he had heard other accounts, not quite so favorable, perhaps.

He persuaded himself that like a dutiful son he wanted most to see his mother, who was really very fond of him.

But in truth he spent his spare time in thinking about Katy.

He sincerely believed that he loved his mother better than anybody in the world.