He might possibly need some one to keep house for him.

He understood that she, Mary Thayer that was, was a good housekeeper and that she was open to an engagement if everything was mutually satisfactory.

He had known her mother slightly when the latter lived in Orham.

He thought an interview might be pleasant, for they could talk over old times if nothing more.

Perhaps, on the whole, she might care to risk a trip to Bayport, therefore he inclosed money for her railroad fare.