“That sounds very much as if my youngest son had been licking the blarney stone,” laughed his mother.
“Not a bit of it, mother,” he returned. “You know I wasn’t brought up to do such things.”
“I hope you were not,” she said, “but you have been under other teachers than your mother for years past.”
“True, my mother dear, but I hope I have not forgotten your teachings. Now what is the latest news about uncles, aunts, cousins and friends in this neighborhood?”
“I really think but little has taken place which would be new to you, Walter,” replied his mother.
“I doubt,” laughed Edward, “if he has heard of the good fortune of Eva and Max.”
“Money or estate?” queried Walter.
“Something better than either,” remarked his mother, with a pleased smile.
“Oh, I suppose Max has been promoted. Good for him! He’s very happy over it, I dare say.”
“But it isn’t that. You’re wide of the mark,” laughed Edward.