"Never better. You're out betimes this morning, Miss Jo."
"Yes," said Miss Jo; "the sun don't catch me simmering in bed like it does some folks. Did it take you from half-past three till six to get home this morning, Mr. Charles?"
"Who says it was six?" said Charley.
"Betsy Ann does," replied his mother. "Where were you all the time?"
"Betsy Ann's eyes were a couple of hours too fast. I say, mother, is the breakfast ready? It's nearly time I was off."
"It's been ready this half-hour. Betsy Ann!"
That maiden appeared.
"Go and ask Miss Rose to please come in to breakfast, and then fetch the coffee."
Betsy Ann fled off, and Charley glanced out of the window.
"Miss Rose is taking a constitutional, is she? What is she like, mother—pretty? I didn't see her last night, you know."