It was quite different to the old Adelaide Maud, who aired such starchy manners in their drawing-room.
Lance came in by an early train.
"Heard you were home," said he, "and ran in to see if you'd take some Broken Hills, or Grand Trunks, or Consolidated Johnnies, you know."
He produced a note-book.
"Now Mrs. Leighton promised to buy a whole mine of shares the other day, and she hasn't done it. How am I to get on with my admirable firm, if my best clients fail me in this way?"
Jean exploded into laughter. Lance as a stockbroker, what next!
"You needn't laugh," he said. "I made twenty-five pounds for the mater last week. Not your mater, mine!"
"Don't listen to Lance's illegal practices," said Elma.
Lance struck an attitude in front of Mabel.
"Oh, mother," he said, "how you've growed. I'm afraid of you. Wait till you see what Maclean will say!"