Page:Carroll Rankin--Dandelion Cottage.djvu/223

 Rh  hazel ones, into Marjory's grey, and Mabel's blue ones; at any rate, Mr. Downing decided to be well out of the way when the blow should fall; he realised that it would prove a trying ordeal to face all those young eyes filled with indignation and probably with tears.

"Ah hum," said Mr. Downing, rising to take his leave. "I'm much obliged to you young ladies. Hum—the number of this house is what, if you please?"

"Number 224," said Bettie, whose mind worked quickly.

"Hum," said Mr. Downing, writing it on the envelope he had taken from his pocket, and moving rather abruptly toward the door, as if desirous to escape as speedily as possible with the knowledge he had gleaned. "Thank you very much—I bid you all good morning."

"Now what in the world did that man want?" demanded Mabel, before the front door had fairly closed. "Do you s'pose he's