"And it is unmanly to ask it."
"Perhaps papa could tell better."
"I wonder if I might see him?"
"Oh, yes. Will you amuse yourself while I find him? Louis is away, and the children are having a picnic down in the grove."
Mr. Mason was ensconced in a willow easy-chair, with a high back and a cushion, while his wife was reading aloud from the pages of Oliver Goldsmith. He glanced up, and Jaqueline suddenly realized the gravity of the matter in hand.
"Mr. Ralston is here, and would like to see you, papa!" she exclaimed persuasively.
"Ah—can't you bring him out here?"
"It is quite important and—" hesitatingly.
"Yes, I'll come." He reached for his coat, and sighed at the added warmth.
Jaqueline slipped her hand through his arm.