He sat down at the table beside Mr. Jameson, a jeweler, and an old friend of the family. The jeweler regarded Robert with surprise. "How is it that you don't dine at home?" he asked. "I believe, however, that your mother is away." "It isn't that, for Jane prepares the meals." "You want a change then?" said Mr. Jameson smiling. "No, it isn't that either. Mother has got home," he added bluntly. "And you go away at such a time?" "I may as well tell you--everybody will know it soon. She has come home with a new husband." "You amaze me! And you don't like the arrangement?" he asked, with a keen glance at his young companion. "No; he's not a gentleman," answered Robert bitterly. "I don't see how she could have married him--or anybody, after my father." "It is natural for you to feel so. Still, she had a right to do so." They talked further, and Mr. Jameson gradually modified Robert's excited feelings. He made the boy promise that if Mr. Talbot should show a disposition to be friendly, he would at any rate treat him with courtesy. About three o'clock in the afternoon Robert met his new step-father in the street. He paused, uncertain how to act. But James Talbot approached him with a soft, ingratiating smile. "Robert," he said, "I am sorry you have taken such a dislike to me. You will excuse my saying that it is quite unreasonable, as you can't know anything about me." "Perhaps I was hasty," Robert forced himself to say, "but it was a trial to me to think my mother had married again." "Quite natural, I am sure, so I shall not look upon your manifestations of dislike as personal to myself." "I suppose not," said Robert slowly. "Of course, I don't know much about you." "When you do, I hope you will like me better," said Talbot cheerfully. "Have you had any dinner?" "Yes, sir." "I hope you will come home to supper. It makes your mother feel very sad to have you stay away." "Yes, I will come." "Shall we take a walk together? I don't know anything of your village. You might show me something of it." Robert hesitated, but he was naturally polite, and, though rather reluctantly, he walked through different parts of the village and pointed out the churches and the public library, the center school-house, and other buildings. Gradually they approached the outskirts of the village till they reached a house occupied by an eccentric old bachelor, who kept a large dog of an uncertain temper. As the two passed, the dog bounded from the yard and ran after them. This gave Robert a chance to judge of his step-father's courage. James Talbot turned pale with fright, and started to run. "Save me, Robert!" he called out, in tremulous accents. "Will he--will he bite?" "I don't think so, Mr. Talbot," said Robert manfully, not exhibiting the least alarm. "What do you mean, Tige?" he continued sternly, addressing the dog. He snatched a stout stick from the side of the road, and made threatening demonstrations. The dog stood still, evidently cowed.