"
"I gladly accept your apology, sir," I returned quickly, "as I should
have accepted his lordship's had his manner permitted any
misapprehension on my part. And in return I wish to apologize most
contritely for the phrase I applied to you just after it happened,
sir. I rarely use strong language, but----"
"I remember hearing none," said he.
"I regret to say, sir, that I called you a blighted little mug----"
"You needn't have mentioned it," he replied with just a trace of
sharpness, "and I trust that in future----"
"I am sure, sir, that in future you will give me no occasion to
misunderstand your intentions--no more than would his lordship," I
added as he raised his brows.
Thus in a manner wholly unexpected was a frightful situation eased
off.
"I'm so glad it's settled!" cried Mrs. Effie, who had listened almost
breathlessly to our exchange.
"I fancy I settled it as Cradleigh would have--eh, Ruggles?" And the
man actually smiled at me.
"Entirely so, sir," said I.
"If only it doesn't get out," said Mrs. Effie now. "We shouldn't want
it known in Red Gap. Think of the talk!"
"Certainly," rejoined Mr. Belknap-Jackson jauntily, "we are all here
above gossip about an affair of that sort. I am sure--" He broke off
and looked uneasily at Cousin Egbert, who coughed into his hand and
looked out over the lake before he spoke.
Pages:
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150