"Then I will give him a piece of my mind when he comes here this afternoon."
"Don't do it, mother. It is our policy to make him think we are ignorant of the existence of this important item in grandfather's estate. Only you must steadily refuse to sign a release."
"I will. I hope you will be here when he calls."
"I will get off for the afternoon. I wish to be here myself. I have a little headache, which will give me an excuse."
When Solon Talbot called on his sister-in-law about three o'clock in the afternoon he was rather disgusted to find Mark at home. He knew that Mark was much more clear-sighted than his mother, and he feared that he would influence her to refuse her signature.
"Good afternoon, Ellen," he said suavely.
"Take a seat, Mr. Talbot," said Mrs. Mason coldly.
"How do you happen to be at home, Mark?" asked Solon, regarding Mark with a slight frown.
"I got excused for the afternoon. I have a headache."
"Perhaps you won't mind going out for a few minutes. I wish to speak to your mother on business."