Page:The mislaid uncle (IA mislaiduncle00raym).pdf/110

 Apollo from his range. Open-eyed, they stood without the library door and wasted their time, with none to reprove; because, for once, the sharp eyes of the major-domo, Peter, were bent upon a more delectable sight.

Into the midst of this happy scene came the discordant ring of the electric bell, and instantly all other sounds ceased.

"Who in the world would trespass upon us, on such a day as this!" cried Mr. Smith, at last arousing from the unusual mood into which he had been betrayed by Josephine's sweet voice.

"Maybe it's company, Uncle Joe."

"No company comes here without invitation, child."

"I came, didn't I? But we didn't know that, then."

"Business, I suppose. Always business; and to-day I'm unfitted for all business."

Business, indeed. For there was ushered into the room, by the frowning Peter, the man whom of all others his master now least wished to see.