"What does the Colonel wish to know, Peter?"
"I object to this unwarrantable cross-examination," said he. "It is customary to first allow one to state his case."
"Forgive me, Uncle Peter!"
"Take your time," said Aunt Hannah, composedly buttering the toast. "You will, anyhow, and I'm sure Irene and I have both learned to curb our feminine curiosity."
He glanced at the telegram again.
"Do you know if the Pelton place has been rented, my dear?"
"The Pelton place? Why, it wasn't rented yesterday, for I passed by there and saw the rent sign still in the window. Mr. Harlan is the agent."
"I know. And where can we find a female house-servant, Hannah?"
"Now, see here, Peter; it's all very well for you to keep your own counsel, when there's a professional secret to be guarded, but if you want any help from me you've got to open your mouth and talk out plainly, so I can answer you in a sensible way."
"You're always sensible, Hannah," he observed, quite unruffled by her demand. And then he ate a whole slice of toast and drank his coffee and handed his cup for more before he spoke another word.