to be; and she presently appeared, with one substantial
foot a long way ahead. She was followed by the carpenter,
with his rule sticking out of his overalls pocket, and she
was still talking to him about some measurements they had
been taking, when they reached the bottom, so that Irene
had to say, "Mamma, Mr. Corey," before Mrs. Lapham was
aware of him.

He came forward with as much grace and speed as the
uncertain footing would allow, and Mrs. Lapham gave
him a stout squeeze of her comfortable hand.

"Why, Mr. Corey! When did you get back?"

"Yesterday. It hardly seems as if I HAD got back.
I didn't expect to find you in a new house."

"Well, you are our first caller. I presume you won't
expect I should make excuses for the state you find it in.
Has the Colonel been doing the honours?"

"Oh yes. And I've seen more of your house than I ever
shall again, I suppose."

"Well, I hope not," said Lapham. "There'll be several
chances to see us in the old one yet, before we leave."

He probably thought this a neat, off-hand way of making
the invitation, for he looked at his woman-kind as if he
might expect their admiration.