“Good news!” cried Mrs. Sparsit, blandly.

“I have got an appointment with him to meet him in the evening at the station here,” said Tom, “and I am going to dine with him afterwards, I believe. He is not coming down to the country house for a week or so, being due somewhere else. At least, he says so; but I shouldn’t wonder if he was to stop here over Sunday, and stray that way.”

“Which reminds me!” said Mrs. Sparsit. “Would you remember a message to your sister, Mr. Tom, if I was to charge you with one?”

“Well? I’ll try,” returned the reluctant whelp, “if it isn’t a long un.”