“But, Arthur, you have lost twenty pounds!”
“Nonsense, dear!”
“Haven't you had anything to eat, papa?” Eddy asked, with sharp sidewise eyes on his father.
Then Anna Carroll spoke. “Can't you see that Arthur wants his breakfast?” said she, and in her tone was a certain impatience and pity for her brother.
Major Arms, however, was not a man to take a hint. He also was scrutinizing Carroll. “Arthur,” he suddenly exclaimed, “what on earth is the matter, lad? You do look pretty well knocked up.”
Carroll loosened his wife's arm and gave her an exceedingly gentle push. He laughed constrainedly at the same time. “Anna is about right,” he said. “I am starved. Wait until I have eaten my breakfast before you pass judgment on my appearance.”
“Haven't you eaten anything since you left Chicago, papa?” asked Ina.
“Never mind, dear,” he replied, in an odd, curt tone, and she looked a little grieved.
“Did you come on the flyer, papa?” asked Eddy. “What are you nudging me for, Charlotte?”
“Papa doesn't want any more questions asked. He wants his breakfast,” said Charlotte.