"What a crowd!" he continued. "Any more at home?"
"Yes, two," said his sister, gayly—"Janet, and Willy. I am so glad you have come, Neal. But why didn't you let us know?"
"Couldn't. The Dolphin put in at Marblehead, and I had gotten rather tired of it aboard, so I thought I'd cut loose and drop down on you awhile. Got out of cash too."
"Oh, Neal!"
"Now you needn't say anything. You didn't give me half enough this time. Too much absorbed getting married, I suppose. I say," he added, turning to Jack, "what kind of a step-ma does Hessie make?"
"Bully," replied Jack, laconically.
"I thought she would, but, she's on her best behavior now. She'll order you all round soon, the way she does me."
"They don't deserve it as you do, you silly boy," said his sister.
They were a merry party that night at supper. It seemed as if Neal would be a great addition to the family, and even Edith thawed somewhat. This pleased Mr. Franklin, who had been thoroughly annoyed by her behavior, and who had been really afraid that she would stay at home from the tournament rather than use his wife's gift.
"Everything will run smoothly now," he said to himself, and, manlike, he soon forgot all about the trouble.