What if, after
all, they should stay away, ignoring the great courtesy which this
most charming of old ladies--never had he seen one so lovable or
distinguished--had extended to them; and she a stranger, too, and
all because her brother Peter had asked her to be kind to a boy
like himself.
The entrance of Corinne and Garry, therefore, into the crowded
room half an hour after his own had brought a relief to Jack's
mind (he had been watching the door, so as to be ready to present
them), which Miss Felicia's gracious salutation only intensified.
"I remember your dear mother perfectly," he heard the old lady say
as she advanced to Corinne and took both her hands. "And she was
quite lovely. And this I am very sure is Mr. Breen's friend, Mr.
Minott, who has carried off all the honors. I am delighted to see
you both. Peter, do you take these dear young people and present
them to Ruth."
The two had thereupon squeezed through to Ruth's side; Peter in
his formal introduction awarding to Garry all the honors to which
he was entitled, and then Ruth, remembering her duties, said how
glad she was to know them; and would they have lemon or sugar?--
and Corinne, with a comprehensive glance of her rival, declined
both, her excuse being that she was nearly dead now with the heat
and that a cup of tea would finish her.
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