No, 'he' isn't going to live here," he went on, grasping each brother's hand in turn, as Billy murmured faint introductions; "and what is more, he hereby asks everybody's pardon for the annoyance his little joke has caused.

He might add that he's heartily-ashamed of himself, as well; but if any of you--" Arkwright turned to the three tall men still standing by their chairs--"if any of you had suffered what he has at the hands of a swarm of youngsters for that name's sake, you wouldn't blame him for being tempted to get what fun he could out of Mary Jane--if there ever came a chance!" Naturally, after this, there could be nothing stiff or embarrassing.
Billy laughed in relief, and motioned Mr.Arkwright to a seat near her.
William said "Of course, of course!" and shook hands again.

Bertram and Cyril laughed shamefacedly and sat down.

Somebody said: "But what does the 'M.

J.' stand for, anyhow ?" Nobody answered this, however; perhaps because Aunt Hannah and Marie appeared just then in the doorway.
Dinner proved to be a lively meal.