"Give it to me."
"Humph!" said the squire, casting his eye over the note. "Mr. Fogson asks me to call this evening. I will do so."
"Very well, sir."
"Father," interrupted Percy, "there is to be a play performed at Duncan this evening."
"Is there?"
"Yes; I saw a bill in the post-office. It's the 'Gold King,' I believe. May I go?"
"I don't know," said the squire, hesitating. "Mr. Fogson wants me to call at the poorhouse."
"If you don't care about going, I can drive mother and Alice over. You know you promised we should attend the next theatrical performance anywhere near."
"If your mother and Alice would like to go I have no objection. You must drive carefully, and you can leave the horses in the hotel stable."
"All right," said Percy joyfully. "Did you ever go to a theatre?" he asked Jed in a patronizing tone.