Mr. Wrandall laid his book on the table without thinking to put the bookmark in place. Then he arose and removed his glasses, fumbling for the case.
"She—she—WHAT?" he demanded.
"Sacked me," replied his son.
"Please do not jest with me, Leslie," said his mother, trying to smile.
"He isn't joking, mother," said Vivian, with a shrug of her fine shoulders.
"He—he MUST be," cried Mrs. Wrandall impatiently. "What did she REALLY say, Leslie?"
"The only thing I remember was 'good-bye,'" said he, and then blew his nose violently.
"Poor old Les!" said Vivian, with real feeling.
"It was Sara Gooch's doing!" exclaimed Mrs. Wrandall, getting her breath at last.
"Nonsense," said Mr. Wrandall, picking up his book once more and turning to the place where the bookmark lay, after which he proceeded to re-read four or five pages before discovering his error.