He's never known a mother since he was a baby, and his father was--well!"-- the old man checked himself--"his father is just dead." He seemed about to add something more in regard to the deceased gentleman, but forbore, glancing narrowly at Abbie, who looked only grave and thoughtful.
"How old is he?
A boy ?" she asked, presently.
"Boyish in some ways, but must be twenty-five or six, and looks older.

A tall fellow, well made." "He might still be a son of mine," said Abbie, with another dim smile, and a sigh.

"Perhaps it would do me no harm to consider him as such.
Would that satisfy you ?" "Just what I want!" exclaimed the professor heartily, and with heightened color.

"Something can be made of him, I think," he added; "but a great deal depends on the sort of treatment he eats and sleeps under.

Well, you be motherly to him, Abbie.