Karyn staying for dinner?

Jon went downstairs to check with his Mom. "Is it alright if Karyn stays for dinner, Mom?" Jon asked. "Stays? I didn't realize she was here." "We were just working on some sketches for a new painting or two." "Well, if it's ok with her mother, it's fine with me. Just remember to bring your stool down when you come back down." "What?" "Well, she can't very well use one of those," she said, pointing at the ladder-backed chairs around the table. "Uhh, right Mom. We'll be back down in... half an hour?" "Ok, honey."