"
"What, for instance?"
"Why does the whole family sit around and watch me? I don't intend
to steal any bric-a-brac. They could search me just as well when I
go out."
"They wish to satisfy themselves as to your character, perhaps."
"Yes, but a fellow feels guilty causing them to lose so much
sleep."
She gave him an odd look, smiling timidly.
"As for to-night, do you attribute any meaning to my father's
request that you dine with us?"
"Of course. It means I wasn't blackballed at the first meeting, I
suppose. After I've become a regular member, and there is nothing
missed from the lodgerooms, I'll be allowed to proceed in the
ordinary manner."
She blushed delightfully again. "Since you are so ignorant of our
ways you should inquire at your earliest convenience. I would
advise you, perhaps, to learn Spanish."
"Will you teach me? I'll come every evening."
She did not answer, for the old lady began to show curiosity, and
a conversation in Spanish ensued which Kirk could not follow.
When it came time for their chaperon to leave, she excused herself
with royal dignity, and, going to the door, called Stephanie, the
giant St. Lucian woman. Not until the negress had entered did the
grandmother retire, which showed, so Kirk imagined, that even yet
the Garavel household had no more confidence in him than in a
badgeless building inspector.
Pages:
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386