If Mr. Talbot expected his sister-in-law to look grateful he was doomed to disappointment.
"A hundred dollars," he continued, "is a good deal of money, especially in your circumstances. I am sure Mark will agree with me in this."
"It is more than all the money we have," replied Mark.
"Precisely. It will make things easy for you for a year to come. By that time Mark will probably be earning higher pay than at present, and so your mind will be quite at ease."
"You are very considerate, Solon, but I think I would rather not sign."
"Why, this is midsummer madness. I am sure Mark will not advise you to refuse."
"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."