"Seen anything of the railroad coach? The train is in, and it is time for the coach to pass. Our guest may be in it."
"No, sir, but I saw the express coming up the hill with an extra large load of baggage."
Just here Alma returned from the house bearing a large tray of plates and breakfast things. The young people greet each other pleasantly, and Alma proceeds to lay the table.
"Now for breakfast, father. Everything waits upon a good appetite. Will you not join us, Lawrence?"
Mr. Belford replies that he has been to breakfast. Mr. Denny takes a cup of coffee, and while sipping it remarks:
"How many more window-frames shall you require for the new mill, Lawrence?"
"Ten more, sir. There is only a part of the fourth story unfinished."
"Alma, dear, do you remember how high we decided the new chimney was to be? Yes, thank you, only two lumps of sugar. Thank you. You remember we were talking about it when the Lawsons were here."
"Don't ask me. Ask Lawrence. I never can remember anything about such matters."
Just at that moment the express pulled up at the gate, and there was a knock. Alma rose hastily, and said: