"You see she is reasonable enough," he muttered in my ear as he motioned me to follow them into the up-stairs sitting-room to which she had led the way.

"The more heads the better in a discussion of this kind," was the excuse he gave his wife and Mr.Steele as he ushered me in.
As neither answered, I considered my presence accepted and sat down in as remote a corner as offered.

Verily the fates were active in my behalf.
Mayor Packard was about to close the door, when Mrs.Packard suddenly leaped by him with the cry: "There's the baby! She must have heard your voice." And rushing into the hall she came back with the child whom she immediately placed in its father's arms.

Then she slowly seated herself.

Not until she had done so did she turn to Mr.Steele.
"Sit," said she, with a look and gesture her husband would have marveled at had he not been momentarily occupied with the prattling child.
The secretary bowed and complied.