"I expect to start for St. Joseph to-morrow. I am in a hurry to get to California."
"That's real mean. I don't see why you can't stay in Cincinnati a week."
"I should like to."
"Then why don't you?" persisted the young girl.
"Jennie," said her mother, "we must remember that Thomas is not traveling for pleasure. He is going to California to seek his fortune. It won't do for him to linger on his way."
"A week won't make much difference; will it, Tom?"
"I am afraid it will, Jennie. Besides, a friend of Mr. Waterbury will start to-morrow, and has agreed to take me with him."
"I suppose you've got to go, then," said Jennie regretfully. "Oh, where did you get that watch, Tom?"
"A kind friend gave it to me."
"Who do you mean—Mr. Graham?" she asked archly.