"How could you expect me to watch a man who was engaged in reading a volume of sermons. They were the sermons of Rev. Dr. Hooker."
"Perhaps that is where he learned hooking," laughed Mark.
"That's a good joke!" said Florence. "By the way, mama, have you tickets for the theater this evening?"
"Yes, but one won't be used. Louisa Frost can't go."
"Then suppose you give it to Mr. Mason. I am sure he would enjoy the play."
"Well thought of, Florence. Won't you get one of the tickets? You will find them on my bureau, that is if our young friend has no other engagement."
"I have none whatever," said Mark promptly. "You are very kind, Mrs. Loring."
"You must thank Florence. If you were a few years older I should be afraid she had designs upon you. It is leap year, you know."
"Now, mama, what will Mr. Mason think of me? I am propriety personified."
Mark concluded his call and left the house, well pleased at having successfully carried out his instructions. He went back directly to the hotel, and sitting down in the reading room wrote the following letter to his employer: