"I quite agree with my mother," said Mark.
"Well," returned Talbot angrily, "I have heard of foolish people, but I must own that you two beat the record."
"Why are you so anxious that my mother should sign a release, Uncle Solon," asked Mark quietly.
"Because I wish to have the whole matter settled and off my hands, as I have told you. I have business interests exclusively my own that demand my attention, and I don't want to be bothered by this small matter."
"I have no doubt you have good reasons for wishing mother to sign," said Mark.
"What do you mean?" demanded Solon suspiciously.
"Only that you are a good business man, and understand your own interests."
"I wish I could say the same for you," retorted Solon Talbot sharply.
"Perhaps we do."
"I ought not to be surprised at meeting opposition from a woman and a boy, both ignorant of business. As a rule those who know nothing think they know the most and are most suspicious. However, I can afford to overlook your unexpected obstinacy. I will do what I had no idea of doing when I entered the room. I will increase my offer to a hundred and twenty-five dollars. That is certainly handsome, and I shall not let Mrs. Talbot and Edgar know how foolishly I have acted."