"Did you have a pleasant visit, mother?" he asked.
"Yes, very pleasant," answered his mother, with a meaning glance at her companion. "Robert, did you receive my telegram?"
"Yes, mother."
"You remember what I said about the great surprise?"
"Yes, mother."
"Well, this gentleman is the great surprise," she said, simpering.
By this time the whole party had entered the house.
"I don't understand you, mother," said the boy, but a sudden suspicion had entered his mind, and he was afraid that he did understand. He waited in painful suspense for his mother to speak.
"I have brought you a new father, Robert. This is my husband, Mr. Talbot."
"Oh, mother!" exclaimed Robert in a grief-stricken tone. "How could you marry again?"