"Is that possible, for others?" said Fleda.
The mother sighed as her son entered the room.
He looked uncommonly grave, Fleda thought. That did not surprise her, but it seemed that it did his mother, for she asked an explanation, which, however, he did not give.
"So you've got back from New York," said he.
"Just got back yesterday," said Fleda.
"Why didn't you stay longer?"
"I thought my friends at home would be glad to see me," said
Fleda. "Was I mistaken?"
He made no answer for a minute, and then said
"Is your uncle at home?"
"No," said Fleda; "he went away this morning on business, and we do not expect him home before nightfall. Do you want to see him?"