`` Father 's promissory note for nine hundred ! '' exclaimed Ernest in bewilderment . `` But Father paid that note to James Patterson five years ago , Mother -- just before his accident . Did n't you tell me he did ? '' `` Yes , he did , '' said Mrs. Duncan , `` but -- '' `` Then where is it ? '' interrupted Ernest . `` Father would keep the receipted note , of course . We must look among his papers . '' `` You wo n't find it there , Ernest . We -- we do n't know where the note is . It -- it was lost . '' `` Lost ! That is unfortunate . But you say that Jacob Patterson showed you a promissory note of Father 's still in existence ? How can that be ? It ca n't possibly be the note he paid . And there could n't have been another note we knew nothing of ? '' `` I understand how this note came to be in Jacob Patterson 's possession , '' said Mrs. Duncan more firmly , `` but he laughed in my face when I told him . I must tell you the whole story , Ernest . But sit down and get your tea first . ''
`` I have n't any appetite XXXXX tea now , Mother , '' said Ernest soberly .
Ernest Mother Patterson accident among for in of that to