Page:Levenson - Butterfly Man.djvu/40

38 "I'm sorry too, Pawne," said Mr. Lowell. "Mr. Crofton will give you your check in the morning. Good-night."

As the door closed on Mr. Pawne, Ken blurted a protest against the dismissal of the Englishman. Mr. Lowell cut him short.

"Kenneth," he said, "I don't want anyone around me who knows too little for comfort—or too much." He smiled and patted Ken's hand. "You, my dear, are you happy?"

Ken hesitated. "You aren't?" Mr. Lowell pursued his inquiry. "Why?"

"I'm just … just …"

"I know … lonesome … unhappy. Well, tonight we shall entertain you. Go to your room and I shall send Kari to you. He'll dress you properly."

Ken smiled for the first time that evening.

"A party?"

"A little gathering of my closest friends."