“When are you going to tell him?”
“At supper.”
“Be sure and tell him before me. I want to see how he stands it.”
“I meant to, Corinthia. By the way, I think you needn’t have any meat on at supper. He may as well begin at once to deny himself.”
“A good suggestion, Mr. Middleton.”
Just then the door was opened, and Squire Davenport was ushered in.
“I called to see you about renewing the insurance on my house, Mr. Middleton,” said he.
“Glad to see you squire.”
“Are you quite well, Mrs. Middleton? I needn’t ask after your young ward. I left him at my house.”
Mr. and Mrs. Middleton looked at each other. The former coughed.