"That is for me to say. I will unlock the door on condition that you agree to saw and split the wood, as I required yesterday."
"To-day is Sunday. Do you expect me to work to-day?"
Mr. Talbot was rather taken aback. He had forgotten when the evening before he locked the door of Robert's chamber that the next day would be Sunday.
"No, but next week."
"I don't agree," said Robert firmly.
"All right; I will come up in an hour, and see if you have changed your mind."
With a malicious chuckle James Talbot drew the key from the lock, put it in his pocket, and went downstairs. His wife was already sitting in her place at the breakfast table.
"What makes you so late, James," she asked.
"I have been having a little interview with your son, my dear."
"He is late, too. Is he coming down?"