I took notice of that 'Advertiser's' piece because Mr.Bassett married my niece, so I'm naturally interested in what he does." "Yes, Mrs.Owen, I understand." Dan had heard a good deal about Mrs.Sally Owen, in one way or another, and persuaded now, by her change of tone, that she had no intention of pillorying him for Bassett's misdeeds, he began to enjoy his unexpected colloquy with her.

She bent forward and clasped her veined, bony hands on the table.
"I'm glad of a chance to talk to you.

It's providential, your turning up this way.

I just came to town yesterday and Edward Thatcher dropped in last night and got to talking to me about his boy." "Allen ?" Dan was greatly surprised at this turn of the conversation.

Mrs.Owen's tone was wholly kind, and she seemed deeply in earnest.
"Yes, I mean Allen Thatcher.