Mrs. Matson said nothing for a while. Her son, and the rest of the family, knew of her objection to baseball, and her disappointment that Joe had not entered the ministry, or some of the so-called learned professions.
But, as she looked at the smiling and proud face of her boy she could not help remarking:
"Joe, I, too, am very glad for your sake. I don't know much about sporting matters, but I suppose this is a promotion."
"Indeed it is, Mother!" Joe cried, getting up to go around the table and kiss her. "It's a fine promotion for a young player, and now it's up to me to make good. And I will, too!" he added earnestly.
"Is that all Mr. Gregory, your former manager, says in the telegram?" asked Mr. Matson.
"No, he says a letter of explanation will follow, and also a contract to sign."
"Will you get more money, Joe?" asked Clara.
"Sure, Sis. I know what you're thinking of," Joe added, with a smile at the girl, as he put his stick-pin in his scarf. "You're thinking of the ring I promised to buy you if I got this place. Well, I'll keep my word. You can go down and get measured for it to-day."
"Oh, Joe, what a good brother you are!" she cried.
"Then you really will get more money?" asked Mrs. Matson, and her voice was a bit eager. Indeed Joe's salary, and the cash he received as his share of the pennant games, had been a blessing to the family during Mr. Matson's illness, for the inventor had lost considerable funds.