"By this afternoon's line."
"So soon? You make no stay at all?"
"I came on business, and must go back again with as little delay as possible."
"Then you must go and dine with me, Jones. I won't take no for an answer. Want to have a long talk with you about old times."
"Thank you, Mr. Smith," replied Jones. "But, as I don't happen to know your good lady, I hardly feel free to accept your invitation."
"Don't hesitate for that. She'll be delighted to see you. Always glad to meet any of my old friends. So come along. I've a dozen things to say to you."
"I'm really afraid of intruding on your wife," said Mr. Jones, still holding back from the invitation.
"Nonsense!" answered my husband. "My friends are hers. She will be delighted to see you. I've talked of you to her a hundred times."
At this Mr. Jones yielded.
"I can't promise you any thing extra," said Mr. Smith, as they walked along. "Nothing more than a good, plain family dinner, and a warm welcome."