"Yes; I obtained some information that will probably be of value. Besides it gave me a clew to his present residence." "Indeed," said Angelica, who was present, "where is he?" "In Peoria, Illinois. He has a married sister living there." "Shall you go out West to find him?" "I expect to go with the company. They will play an engagement in Peoria." "If you see Mr. Harding, please remember me to him. Say--that is, you may hint that I still think of him with interest, and--and hope he will some day return to us." "That message ought to bring him, Miss Angelica." "Of course I only think of him as a friend, but we were very congenial, and it is not often that one meets a congenial spirit." "Why not send a letter to Mr. Harding by me?" "I--that is; mamma, do you think it would be proper?" asked Angelica with bashful hesitation. "I don't know why not," answered Mrs. Stubbs promptly. "You might ask in the letter when it will be convenient for him to pay his board bill." "Oh, ma, how unromantic!" "It may not be romantic, Angelica, but it's business," said the practical mother. Miss Stubbs did write the letter, but it is certain she did not mention the board bill in it. CHAPTER XXXI. SQUIRE MARLOWE IS SURPRISED. It may be well to return to Lakeville, as something has occurred there which deserves to be recorded. It is needless to say that Mrs. Barton missed Bert, whose bright and cheerful presence had filled the little house with comfort and gladdened his mother's heart. Still she knew that he was well, and heard from him every week, though Bert only detailed his experiences in general terms, not caring to raise expectations which perhaps might prove illusive. Bert's absence from Lakeville excited some surprise and speculation. Squire Marlowe, to whom it had been mentioned by Percy, stopped Mrs. Barton in the street one day, and said: "Percy tells me that your son is away." "Yes." "Where is he?" "He went to New York." "Is he at work there?" "No, he is travelling." "Travelling? What do you mean?" "Uncle Jacob has sent him off on some mission. He is at Harrisburg, I believe." "That is very strange!" remarked the squire, arching his eyebrows. "What possible mission can Jacob have for the boy?" "He doesn't write particulars; but his expenses are paid." "I don't see how Jacob Marlowe, with his paltry twelve dollars a week, can make such arrangements." "Nor I; but probably Uncle Jacob has interested his employer in Bert." "It may be so, but I think it very unwise to send off a boy by himself. What judgment has he, or what can he do?" "I don't very well know. He seems to enjoy the trip." "Of course; but it will spoil him for solid work. He had better have stayed at home." "What encouragement was there for him to stay in Lakeville? If you had not discharged him, he would be here now. If you will take him back into the factory, I will write him to that effect, and perhaps it will induce him to return."