Part 25 (2/2)
He is one of the n.o.bility. Superior, distinguished! Do you note his condescending air? It is hereditary, my dear. Conscious of being above us, yet every look and move indicates a study to make a descent to our level.”
”Notwithstanding--I think--well--I prefer Joe!” demurely insisted the maid. ”He is not quite so polished, but--I like him better, anyway.”
”What! A commoner to a lord? A straw hat to a lady's tiara? Why, Hazel!”
”That is my choice,” replied the girl, quietly but firmly.
Hazel's calm dignity irritated Mrs. Harris, and she remarked with a puzzled expression of countenance, ”Dear me! I never could understand the fountain of your democratic ideas, Hazel; and the enigma is deeper to me now than ever.”
Hazel's reply, muttered with the same quiet dignity, was as puzzling to Mrs. Harris as ever. ”I am an American, and I love our country too well to leave it for some foreign land.”
Further conversation was cut short by Mr. Harris, who addressed Hazel.
”Did you notice John Thorpe in one of the boats, Hazel?”
”I think so; they were too far away to say positively,” replied the girl.
”Well, here comes Sam, and--and--yes, it's Virginia Thorpe!” exclaimed Mr. Harris exultantly turning to Mrs. Harris.
”Did I not say it was possible he had met with a friend? Look how proud and joyous he seems walking by her side. No kink in his knee now. Sound as a bell.”
”James, I beg again to correct you. Sam is not lame. His malady has something to do with the charming lady by his side,” remarked Mrs.
Harris.
”Oh, I see. She has a pull on him, eh?”
”Yes, a most strenuous one, I may add, as you mere merchants speak of it.”
When Sam entered the room, he was greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Harris with much fervor.
Sam had removed his hat in the vestibule and unconsciously displayed the evidence of his night's encounter with the automobile. The sight of the plastered wound on his head caused Mrs. Harris to exclaim:
”Oh, my boy, my boy!” and she put her motherly arms about his neck.
”All right, aunty!” said Sam, as he lightly kissed her on the forehead. ”Never felt better. Just a scratch. Might have been worse.
Eh? I guess so!” and he held her at arms' length and grinned at her affectionately.
”Where is Virginia? I am sure we saw her with you, Sam!” questioned Mr. Harris.
”She wouldn't come in, uncle. Gone on down to the sh.o.r.e. She expressed a wish to find you there.”
”Oh!” exclaimed Mr. Harris, with alacrity. ”I shan't disappoint her.
Splendid young lady. Brainy, good-looking, very fetching, eh, Sam?”
and so saying, he turned, bowed to Rutley and left the room.
”I am thankful you were not killed, and think how much we owe his lords.h.i.+p for having so promptly brought you home,” continued Mrs.
Harris.
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