"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."
As he spoke he laid the paper before Mrs. Mason.
"Here is a fountain pen," he said. "You can sign at once."
"I don't care to sign, Solon."
"Have you been talking to your mother, Mark?" demanded Talbot sharply. "Have you put her up to this?"