"I did my best to invent an acceptable excuse for you; but she said it was no use--nothing short of your own personal prayers for mercy would do." "Humph; you should have reminded her that I purchased an indulgence some weeks ago." Again, the other laughed shortly.

Watching him closely, Conrad Lagrange said, in his most sneering tones, "I trust, young man, that you are not failing to make good use of your opportunities.

Let's see--dinner and the evening five times--afternoon calls as many--with motor trips to points of interest--and one theater party to Los Angeles--believe me; it is not often that struggling genius is so rewarded--before it has accomplished anything bad enough to merit such attention." "I _have_ been idling most shamefully, haven't I ?" said the artist.
"Idling!" rasped the other.

"You have been the busiest hay-maker in the land.

These scientific, intensive cultivation farmers of California are not in your class when it comes to utilizing the sunshine.