"Well, have you entertained Mr. Mason?" asked Mrs. Loring re-entering the room.
"I have done my best, mama. What do you think he tells me? That horrid man that stole my purse is staying at his hotel."
"Then I hope you won't send him an invitation to call here."
"He would call fast enough," suggested Mark, "if he knew what a valuable diamond pin you have in the house."
"Then I hope he won't find out. How did it happen, Florence, you didn't watch him when he was sitting beside you?"
"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."