"I'll be very quiet in the morning, Daddy," said George.
"You needn't be, old boy," Osborn replied.
He sat down on the edge of George's bed, with a wish that someone of all his household, this child at least, should be glad to see him.
"We're going to be great pals," he stated, "aren't we?"
"Yes, Daddy," the child answered.
"Give me a kiss and say good night, then."
George obeyed dutifully. Osborn tucked him up and turned away. As he undressed he thought of the toys he would buy the children to-morrow.
Marie met her husband serenely at the breakfast-table next morning. She looked fair and fresh and had other things to do than to give him undivided attention. George and Minna were at table, behaving charmingly, though the baby, being yet at a sloppy stage, was taking her breakfast in the kitchen in deference to her father's return. Osborn paid his family some attention and his newspaper none; and he appeared to be in no hurry to be off.
"My first morning back," he remarked; "I need hardly turn up punctually."