"You'll have Mark here and that's better than the best dinner Jay can give me. Shall I wear my swallow tail?"
"No; your uniform will do."
Tom Trotter had hardly gone out when there was another knock at the door. On opening it Mrs. Mason was somewhat surprised to see her brother-in-law. Solon Talbot's manner was very gracious and patronizing.
"I hope you are well, Ellen," he said extending his hand.
"Thank you, I am quite well," replied Mrs. Mason.
"And Edith too?"
Mr. Talbot seldom took any notice of Edith, but he had an object to gain now.
"Yes, Edith is well. She has just gone to school."
"I think I heard that Mark was absent from the city."
"Yes, he is away."