Part 14 (1/2)

”I've been there often.”

Tom did not explain that he once blacked boots in front of the hotel for several weeks. He did not feel disposed to take Maurice too much in his confidence. The fact is, that Maurice was considerably mystified as to Tom's position and claims to consideration.

There was, of course, a certain want of polish about our hero, the result of his early a.s.sociations, which led Maurice to doubt if Tom was not socially his inferior. On the other hand, Tom's free and easy allusions to the Fifth Avenue Hotel, for instance, tended to combat this view. He became silent, and listened to the conversation between his cousin and Tom, which was altogether too free and animated to suit his taste.

”I wonder how long he's going to stay?” he thought.

”Isn't it most supper time, Bessie?” he asked, at length.

”Why? Are you hungry?”

”Rather,” said Maurice, looking significantly at Tom, hoping that he would take the hint and go. He was ignorant of the invitation which had been given and accepted.

”Mr. Grey will stop to supper, Maurice,” said Bessie.

”Oh! will he?” said Maurice; but his manner was far from showing pleasure.

He left the room soon after, and, at six, Mr. Benton came in. He was a stout, pleasant-looking man, with a look of Bessie about the eyes, and he very cordially welcomed our hero.

”My daughter tells me you took good care of her on the way from Buffalo, Mr. Grey,” he said.

”I tried to,” said Tom.

”Accept my thanks for your attentions. You are not very old for a protector,” he added, with a smile, ”but, from her account, you answered the purpose.”

”There wasn't much to do,” said Tom, modestly. ”I'd like to do it again.”

Bessie blushed a little, and laughed.

”It seems the arrangement was mutually agreeable,” said the old gentleman. ”Are you going to stay long in Cincinnati, Mr. Grey?”

”Yes, sir--I expect to.”

”Then you must come and see us often.”

”I should like to.” Tom was on the point of adding, ”tip-top,” but stopped just in time.

Here the bell rang for supper, and the party adjourned to the dining-room. There were seats for four. Bessie sat opposite her father, having on one side Maurice, on the other Tom. The latter, I am bound to say, felt a little embarra.s.sed. He knew that the usages of the family he was visiting must be different from those to which he was accustomed, and he was afraid he might make some blunder. He resolved, therefore, to watch Maurice carefully, and do whatever he did. Eating with a fork, he thought odd, and not nearly as convenient as a knife.

Still, he did it to avoid mistakes. Maurice watched him, hoping to detect him in blunders, but to no purpose. He was, perhaps, slightly awkward, but committed no breaches of etiquette.

”This is Mr. Grey, Maurice,” introduced Mr. Benton, at the commencement of the meal.

”I have the honor of knowing Mr. Grey,” said Maurice, stiffly.

There was a slight emphasis on the word honor, which Mr. Benton did not notice.

After supper Mr. Benton said: