"Look here, Mamie," he said, "a
fellow in my fix, you know! Don't get excited. How am I going to confide
in you unless you keep your hair on!"
"What, may I ask, did Mr. Mafferton say when you told him that?" I asked
sternly.
"He said--now you'll be madder than ever. I won't tell you."
"Mr. Dod--Dicky, haven't we been friends from infancy!"
"Played with the same rattle. Cut our teeth together."
"Well then----"
"Well then," he said, "do you mind putting your parasol straight? I like
to see the person I'm talking to, and besides the sun is on the other
side. He said he didn't think it was a privilege that should be extended
to all cases."
"He did, did he?" I rejoined calmly. "That's like the British--isn't
it?"
"It would have made such a complication if I'd kicked him," confessed
Mr. Dod.
The Senator, momma, and Mrs. Portheris stood in the cathedral door.
Isabel and Mr. Mafferton occupied the middle distance. Mr. Mafferton
stooped to add a poppy to a slender handful of wild flowers he held out
to her. Isabel was looking back.
"It will be pleasant inside the Duomo," I said.
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