But this idea was dispelled when it was learned that he had sold all his possessions,--his city mansion, his country house at Menlo Park, his paintings, and collections, and even his cherished library.

It was patent that he had made a clean and secret sweep of everything before he disappeared.
This happened during the time when calamity had overtaken us in our own affairs; and it was not till we were well settled in our new home that we had opportunity really to wonder and speculate about the Bishop's doings.

And then, everything was suddenly made clear.

Early one evening, while it was yet twilight, I had run across the street and into the butcher-shop to get some chops for Ernest's supper.

We called the last meal of the day "supper" in our new environment.
Just at the moment I came out of the butcher-shop, a man emerged from the corner grocery that stood alongside.