"I'm no busier than common," said Val. "Come in, this is my sanctum, and here's the editorial chair; sit down."
"Is it any harm to smoke?" inquired the Captain, looking rather doubtful.
"Not the least. I'll blow a cloud myself. How did you find your way here through the clouds of fog?"
"Not very easily. Does the sun ever shine at all in Speckport?"
"Occasionally—when it cannot help itself. But when did you take to early rising, pray? You used to be lounging over your breakfast about this hour when I knew you in Halifax."
"Yes, I know—I'm a reformed character. Apropos, early rising seems to be the style here. I met two ladies of my acquaintance figuring through the streets ever so long ago."
"Who were they?"
"Your sister was one; Miss Marsh, the other."
"Natty, eh? Oh, she always was an early bird. Were you speaking to her?"
"I had the pleasure of escorting her to her mother's. By the way, she does not live with her mother, does she?"