Part 17 (1/2)
”You must stop in Cincinnati on your way home.”
”I wouldn't know where to find you.”
”I will give you our address before we part. But that will be some time yet.”
About this time Graham, who had finished smoking his cigar, strolled back.
”Miss Watson,” said he, ”don't you feel like having a promenade?”
”Yes,” said Jennie suddenly. ”Tom, come walk with me.”
Our hero readily accepted the invitation, and the two walked up and down the deck.
”That's what I call a snub,” said Graham's friend, the dark-complexioned young man, who was within hearing.
Graham's face was dark with anger.
”Curse her impudence, and his too!” he muttered. ”I should like to wring the boy's neck.”
”He can't help it, if the girl prefers his company,” said the other, rather enjoying Graham's mortification.
”I'll punish him all the same.”
By this time Tom and Jennie were near him again, on their return.
”You don't treat me with much ceremony, Miss Watson,” said Graham, with an evil smile.
”My mother doesn't like me to make too many acquaintances,” said Jennie demurely.
”She is very prudent,” sneered Graham. ”You have known your present companion quite a long time.”
”I hope to know him a long time,” said the young lady promptly. ”Let's us continue our walk, Tom.”
In discomfiture which he was unable to hide, Graham walked away.
”Evidently, Graham, you are no match for those two youngsters,” said his friend, in amus.e.m.e.nt, which Graham did not share.
Graham did not reply, but seemed moody and preoccupied.
Tom and his companion noticed Graham's displeasure, but they felt indifferent to it. They had no desire to continue his acquaintance. Our hero introduced Mr. Waterbury to his new friends, and this gentleman, who was a thorough gentleman, except on the rare occasion when he yielded to the temptation of strong drink, made a favorable impression upon both.
So the day pa.s.sed. Tom enjoyed it thoroughly. The river banks afforded a continuous panorama, while the frequent stops gave him an opportunity of observing the different towns in detail. Two or three times he went ash.o.r.e, accompanied by Jennie, and remained till the steamer was ready to start.
Finally night came, and one by one the weary pa.s.sengers retired to rest.
”Good night, Tom,” said Jennie Watson. ”Be up early in the morning.”
”So as to get an appet.i.te for breakfast?” asked Tom, with a smile.
”I think we shall both have appet.i.tes enough; but it will be pleasant to breathe the fresh morning air.”