"Here he is at last, Susan," said her husband.
"He has been anxious about you all day," cried Susan.
"Then he has some mad scheme. But we shall see presently. Good evening, Diana, my dear. You look well."
"A truce to compliments," cried Joshua; "to supper."
They now entered the dining room, where the whole household was collected, men, women, and children. Of course, enormous quantities of meat, bread, and vegetables adorned the board. The repast was truly Homeric.
After dinner the servants retired, and the ladies would have done the same, but Joshua detained them.
The ladies seated themselves with a rather uneasy glance. He poured out a stiff glass for himself and brother and drank his off.
"Thank heaven!" he began, "We are now solidly established in our new dwelling, and it is time to speak of business."
"Hilloa! Talk business now? It is late. Why can we not put off our business arrangements until tomorrow?"
"You forget, my brother, I sent for you on purpose—"