Page:O Genteel Lady! (1926).pdf/55

 Frank, or his cousin Asa. The Ripleys all have been built like that.'

'I don't see anything so particular about it.'

'Oh, that's a fine back.'

'Is that the Mr. Sears Ripley who lives in Concord and is so literary? And teaches at Harvard? I've heard of him; why should he be in Salem?'

'That Concord house of his was his mother's, a second wife, but all the rest of him is Salem and he ought to be thankful for it.' The Captain began to hurry.

'We can't possibly catch up with him.'

'He may turn round and see us.'

'What do you want of him? You see Mr. Sears Ripley every week in Boston, at your Literary Club.'

'I know, but it may be Asa.' The Captain was getting a little breathless, 'And Asa is still shipping out of Salem. I'd like a word or two with him. Do you know, Cousin Laney, I could still shout so as to make him hear? No, no, I'm not planning to do it.'

'What would you shout?'

Hoy, hoy, Ripley!"—only very loud.'

The man, unconscious of his pursuers, slackened his speed and seemed on the point of turning about.

'Ha! That vermin! And off again is he, faster than ever—with those long legs of his.'

'And that fine back.'

They both laughed. Lanice grew restless.

'Wait. I'll run ahead and stop him,' she offered, and lifting up her many muslin ruffles, she flew down the street after him, the scarlet clocks in her white