"We must make him contented, my dear," said her husband. "Give him the best bedroom, and I think it might be well to have something a little extra for supper."
"I did intend to put on the rest of that cold mutton," said Mrs. Tarbox, doubtfully.
"It won't do, Martha. There is only a little of it, you know, and the boy has been traveling, and, of course, is hungry. What do you say, now, to some nice beefsteak?"
"Beefsteak is high now," said Mrs. Tarbox. "Still, if we buy round steak—that is cheaper than sirloin or tenderloin."
"And quite as good," said her economical partner. "We can tell Frank, however, that no sirloin was to be had so late in the day at the markets."
Mrs. Tarbox nodded her head, approving the suggestion.
This little matter being adjusted, the husband and wife entered the parlor where our hero was waiting patiently.
"This is our young cousin, Martha," said Mr. Tarbox, smiling pleasantly.
"Welcome to Newark," said Mrs. Tarbox, extending her hand. "And how did you leave your stepfather?"
"He is well," said Prank, coolly.