"
"Darn it all, I like to be friendly with my friends," he bluntly
persisted. "I call a man anything that suits me. And I ain't ever
apologized yet because I was afraid. I want all parties here to get
that."
"Say no more, please. It's quite understood," said Belknap-Jackson
hastily. The other subsided into low mutterings.
"I trust you fully understand the situation, Ruggles--Colonel
Ruggles," he continued to me.
"It's preposterous, but plain as a pillar-box," I answered. "I can
only regret it as keenly as any right-minded person should. It's not
at all what I've been accustomed to."
"Very well. Then I suggest that you accompany me for a drive this
afternoon. I'll call for you with the trap, say at three."
"Perhaps," suggested his wife, "it might be as well if Colonel Ruggles
were to come to us as a guest." She was regarding me with a gaze that
was frankly speculative.
"Oh, not at all, not at all!" retorted Mrs. Effie crisply. "Having
been announced as our house guest--never do in the world for him to go
to you so soon. We must be careful in this. Later, perhaps, my dear."
Briefly the ladies measured each other with a glance. Could it be, I
asked myself, that they were sparring for the possession of me?
"Naturally he will be asked about everywhere, and there'll be loads of
entertaining to do in return.
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