It was easy to tell when deep thoughts had Mister Waverly distracted if you knew him well. And his wife knew him very well.

"For goodness sake, Alexander - talk about whatever has you concerned before you totally ruin the stem of that poor pipe."

Pulling the pipe away from his mouth, he gave it a rueful glance before looking over to his wife.

"My apologies, Millicent. I suppose I've been wool-gathering."

"Regarding the young lady in Survival School?"

"Correct. I received word from our Mister Cutter that she's made the grade."

"Then what ever is the problem?"