"Will you have it sent home?" asked the salesman courteously.
Mrs. Mason shrank from having the parcel brought to her humble abode in St. Mark's Place.
She was turning to go when she heard her name called in glad and familiar accents.
"Lucy!" exclaimed Mrs. Mason, as she clasped hands warmly with her sister. "This is a delightful surprise."
"To me also; I thought I should never see you again."
"No, no. I know it," answered Mrs. Talbot. "Mr. Talbot is peculiar, as you know. He thinks everything of social rank. Now tell me, how are you getting on?"
"Very poorly till lately, but now better."
"You are not in want? Solon doesn't allow me much money, but----"
"No, Lucy. I want for nothing. Mark is a good boy, and he has been fortunate. You see I have just bought two dress patterns, one for Edith, the other for myself."
"I am glad indeed to hear it. Mark is a telegraph messenger, is he not?"
"I shouldn't think that would pay very well."
"It does not, so far as wages go, but some who have employed him have been liberal."
"Come out with me for a walk. My purchases can wait. We will go to Sixth Avenue, as we are less likely to be seen together than on Broadway."
For an hour the two sisters talked, and it seemed delightful to both to be again together.
"I must go home now," said Mrs. Mason, "as I left Edith alone. Besides it is time for me to prepare supper for Mark. I wish you could go with me."
"I would, Ellen, but Mr. Talbot would be angry."
"Do you think he is justified in keeping you away from your only sister?"
"No, but, Ellen, I am ready to make a sacrifice for a quiet life."
"Yes; I will go to Arnold & Constable's next week on the same day and at the same hour. I wish I could invite you to my house, but you know how matters stand."
"Yes I know. Mr. Talbot appears to have increased his property."
"Yes, I judge so, though I receive no larger allowance. But he tells me very little of his affairs. He is more confidential with Edgar than myself."
"I have seen Edgar. He came to my rooms with his father some time since. He is about the age of Mark."
"Yes; there is not over a month's difference between them."
"If Mr. Talbot was different they would be company for each other. I believe Mark meets Edgar occasionally in the street. I hope Edgar is a comfort to you."