He did not care to explain that his collecting had been from unoffending travelers, nor did he care to mention that he had served a three-years’ term at Sing Sing prison, under an assumed name.
“It must be eight years since we met, George,” went on Mrs. Brackett.
“Is it as long as that?” said George, indifferently.
“Yes, I know it is, for my dear little Tommy was a baby, and now he is a fine boy of eight years.”
“Inherits your sweet disposition, Lucinda, I suppose,” said her brother, banteringly.
“You always would have your joke, George,” said Mrs. Brackett, coloring and looking annoyed.
“Have you got any more children, Lucinda?”
“Yes—three more.”
“They must be a great nuisance,” said her brother, shrugging his shoulders.
“You were a nuisance when you were a small boy,” said his sister, with spirit.