Her brother puffed his cigar again in silence. "These delicate qualities have survived his vicissitudes, eh? All this while you haven't told me about his misfortunes."
"It is a long story," said Mrs. Penniman, "and I regard it as a sacred trust. But I suppose there is no objection to my saying that he has been wild—he frankly confesses that. But he has paid for it."
"That's what has impoverished him, eh?"
"I don't mean simply in money. He is very much alone in the world."
"Do you mean that he has behaved so badly that his friends have given him up?"
"He has had false friends, who have deceived and betrayed him."
"He seems to have some good ones too. He has a devoted sister, and half a dozen nephews and nieces."
Mrs. Penniman was silent a minute. "The nephews and nieces are children, and the sister is not a very attractive person."
"I hope he doesn't abuse her to you," said the Doctor; "for I am told he lives upon her."
"Lives upon her?"
