Abel had not often been there.

He had never felt himself to be very welcome there; and as he came into the inner room where Lawrence and Gabriel sat, they were quite as curious to know why he had come as he was to know what his reception would be.

Abel bowed politely, and said he could not help congratulating his uncle upon the news he had heard, but would not conceal his surprise.

What his surprise was he did not explain; but Lawrence very well knew.

Abel had the good sense not to mention, the name of Hope Wayne, and not to dwell upon any subject that involved feeling.