r Edgar an entrance into fashionable society, while your son, though
doubtless a deserving boy, must necessarily associate with his equals."

"Mark has some excellent friends," said Mrs. Mason, nettled.

"No doubt, no doubt. I have not a word to say derogatory of him except
that he is inclined to be conceited."

"I suppose Edgar is quite free from that fault."

"Well no, perhaps not, but he has a social position to maintain.
However, this is not what I came to talk about. You remember that when I
was last here I asked your signature to a statement that you had
received your rightful portion of your father's estate."

"I remember it."

"I offered you a small sum in consideration of this release. As the
administrator I find it desirable to have it in order that I may render
a final account."

"I remember the circumstances."

"I think you made some objection--a foolish one, to which you were
instigated probably by your son Mark."

"I remember that too."

"No doubt the boy was honest in his advice, but I need hardly suggest to
you how incompetent a boy of his age is as an adviser in a serious
business matter. Well, I have come this morning on the same business,
but I wish to be liberal. I think it only fair to take your
circumstances into consideration. I am ready to give you a hundred
dollars if you will sign the paper I have here."

"Let me see the paper, Solon."

Mr. Talbot took from his pocket a folded document which he placed before
his sister-in-law.

It ran thus:

"I hereby acknowledge that I have received from Solon Talbot,
administrator of the estate of my late father, Elisha Doane, my
full share in that estate, and I hereby release him from all
further claim on my part to said estate."

"Sign here, if you please," said Solon suavely, "and I will give you the
sum promised."

As he spoke he drew from his wallet a roll of ten ten-dollar bills,
which he judged would look tempting to a woman of Mrs. Mason's limited
means.

"If you will leave this paper here, Solon," said the widow, "I will show
it to Mark when he gets home, and ask his advice."

Mr. Talbot frowned and looked vexed.

"Ask advice of a boy of sixteen!" he sneered. "Surely you are better
able to judge what is best than he."

"I am not sure about that. At any rate he is interested, and I prefer to
wait till I see him."

"Then the offer of a hundred dollars is withdrawn."

"Just as you think best, Solon. I sh