"I shall be glad to hear that he is doing well. He is about the age of Mark."
"True, but their paths will lie apart. My, ahem! position will secure for Edgar an entrance into fashionable society, while your son, though doubtless a deserving boy, must necessarily associate with his equals."
"Mark has some excellent friends," said Mrs. Mason, nettled.
"No doubt, no doubt. I have not a word to say derogatory of him except that he is inclined to be conceited."
"I suppose Edgar is quite free from that fault."
"Well no, perhaps not, but he has a social position to maintain. However, this is not what I came to talk about. You remember that when I was last here I asked your signature to a statement that you had received your rightful portion of your father's estate."
"I remember it."
"I offered you a small sum in consideration of this release. As the administrator I find it desirable to have it in order that I may render a final account."
"I remember the circumstances."
"I think you made some objection—a foolish one, to which you were instigated probably by your son Mark."