He was too much preoccupied by the unpleasant contents of his own letter to notice the trouble of his ward.
"Roger," said he, "business calls me away from town for a day or two.

I am sorry to interrupt our pleasant time together, but I hope it will not be long.

Make yourself comfortable here, and take care of yourself." "Are you going to Maxfield ?" inquired Roger.
"No.

But an old comrade I find is in trouble and wants my advice.

It is a call I can hardly turn a deaf ear to." Had Roger guessed that the friend on whom so much devotion was to be expended was Mr Robert Ratman, he would have displayed a good deal more curiosity than he did as to his guardian's business.