"I hope Miss Thornton is well," put in Mr. Hale, desirous of changing the current of the conversation.
"She is as well as she ever is. She is not strong," replied Mrs. Thornton, shortly.
"And Mr. Thornton? I suppose I may hope to see him on Thursday?"
"I cannot answer for my son's engagements. There is some uncomfortable work going on in the town; a threatening of a strike. If so, his experience and judgment will make him much consulted by his friends. But I should think he could come on Thursday. At any rate, I am sure he will let you know if he cannot."

'I hope Miss Thornton is well,' put in Mr. Hale, to change the subject.
'She is as well as she ever is. She is not strong,' replied Mrs. Thornton, shortly.
'And Mr. Thornton? May I hope to see him on Thursday?'
'I cannot answer for my son's engagements. There is some uncomfortable work going on; a threatening of a strike. If so, his experience and judgment will make him much consulted by his friends. But I should think he could come on Thursday.'
