"And a weak man uses a weak word in apology for a weak character," Lyman spoke up.
"Oh, I never heard anything like this before," the young woman declared. "I didn't know that men could be so entertaining."
"The potted plant astonished at the virility of the weed," said Lyman. "But I must leave you here. My office is up there. Mr. Sawyer knows where it is. His name appears on my list of callers. No, thank you, I cannot dine with you today."
"Oh, how impertinent," she laughed. "Nobody asked you, sir."
"No, but I'll ask you. My partner is up there now, with his oil stove lighted and the coffee hot. We have some broken dishes, and some cups that are cracked with age. Won't you come up and dine with us?"
"Why, I thought you boarded with Cousin Jasper Staggs. And ain't he the funniest thing? I like him ever so much."
"I do board with him, but I often dine out. Won't you come up and have a box of sardines?"
"No, I thank you. Wait a moment. When are you going to sign that petition for father?"
"When am I going to sign it for you?"
"Why, as soon as you can."