“People have interfered with us a good deal, first and last,” the Captain said, grimly.
The faint color in Mrs. North's cheeks suddenly deepened. “So they have,” she said.
The Captain shook his head in a discouraged way; he took his pipe out of his pocket and looked at it absent-mindedly. “I suppose I can stay at home, and let 'em get over it?”
“Stay at home? Why, you'd far better—”
“What?” said the Captain, dolefully.
“Come oftener!” cried the old lady. “Let 'em get over it by getting used to it.”
Captain Price looked doubtful. “But how about your daughter?”
Mrs. North quailed. “I forgot Mary,” she admitted.
“I don't bother you, coming to see you, do I?” the Captain said, anxiously.
“Why, Alfred, I love to see you. If our children would just let us alone!”