Gabriel suspected that, in his present state, the boy may run away to find me. He could not allow Wilhelm to go back to me, only to be used again.

"Yes, sir," replied the maid.

Having instructed thus, Gabriel retired to his study and began working.

Shortly thereafter, Raymond came along with Wren.

Entering the house, they saw Wilhelm sitting on the sofa in the living room, his eyes red and puffy from crying.

Wren rushed to his side. "Wil, what's wrong? Why are you crying so much? Where's your dad?"

When Wilhelm saw Wren, the tears began to flow again.

He threw his arms around her and sobbed, "Grandma,...