Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/277

 George came up to us, smiling.

"You don't appear to be glad to see me."

"We are only paralyzed with astonishment," returned Mr. Thurber.

"And delight," I added, trying to speak lightly.

"How in the name of all that is surprising did you get here?"

"By train. Tom left his umbrella-case, and I started with it the next day. But where are they all?" (casting a searching glance about the room).

"At the theatre," responded Mr. Thurber, "where I ought to be; but I came back because—" He hesitated, then took up his hat, and, gazing into the crown, added thoughtfully, "I never could say that all over again, you know, so I leave you to tell him why I came back, Miss Dorris. I particularly wish him to know."

"But you are not going to run away the moment I arrive," George remonstrated.

"Sorry to do so," returned the other, "but they will think it odd if I don't come back."

"They will think it much more odd for me to be too tired to go to the theatre, and then to entertain two gentlemen at home."

George looked uncertain. Mr. Thurber started hastily for the door, saying,—

"Be sure you tell him, Miss Dorris"; and before I could reply he was gone.

There was an awkward pause, and then George said,—

"I never did such an absurd thing in my life as