But I've heard it's a
case of family pride."
I was recalled from this dialogue by Mrs. Bowser's fan on my arm, and
her shrill voice in my ear with, "What is your idea about it, Mr.
Wilton?"
"I think you are perfectly right," I said heartily, as she paused for
an answer.
"Then I'll arrange it with the others at once," she said.
This was a bucket of ice-water on me. I had not the first idea to what
I had committed myself.
"No, don't," I said. "Wait till we have time to discuss it again."
"Oh, we can decide on the time whenever you like. Will some night week
after next suit you?"
I had to throw myself on the mercy of the enemy.
"I'm afraid I'm getting rather absent-minded," I said humbly. "I was
looking at Miss Knapp and lost the thread of the discourse for a
minute."
"That's what I was talking about," she said sharply,--"about taking her
and the rest of us through Chinatown."
"Yes, yes. I remember," I said unblushingly. "If I can get away from
business, I'm at your service at any time."
Then Mrs. Bowser wandered on with the arrangements she would find
necessary to make, and I heard one of the low voices behind me:
"Now this is a profound secret, you know. I wouldn't have them know for
the world that any one suspects. I just heard it this week, myself."
"Oh, I wouldn't dare breathe it to a soul," said the other. "But I'm
sure I shan't sleep a wink tonight." And they moved away.
I interrupted Mrs. Bowser to explain that I must speak to Mrs.
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