"Ah, yes—Elmer Franklin. I had almost forgotten him."
"How does he look, father? Is his hair dark, or has he blue eyes? I hardly know which I like best."
"I do not remember. I've not seen the boy since he was a mere child, years ago. He has been at school since."
"He must be a man now. He is past twenty-one, and, as for school, why, it's the Scientific School, and I'm sure men go to that."
"You seem greatly interested in this unknown relative, Alma."
"He is to be our guest, father—for a whole month. Come! Will you have breakfast out here in the porch?"
"Yes, dear. It is quite comfortable here, and it will save the trouble of moving."
Thereupon Alma entered the house in search of the breakfast, and a moment after Mr. Lawrence Belford entered the garden at the street gate. The son of an old friend of Mr. Denny's lamented wife, Mr. Belford had been admitted to the house some months since as confidential clerk and business man. He was a rather commonplace person, about thirty years of age, and his education and manners were good if not remarkable. During his residence with the Dennys he had found time to fall in love with Alma, and they had been engaged—and with Mr. Denny's consent.
"Good morning, Lawrence. You're just in time for breakfast."
"Good morning, sir. Thank you, no. I have been to breakfast. I am just up from the station."