'And Mr. Mix is at the Pension—there was no other room to be had—-'
'Supper's at seven—-'
'Tante Jeanne's been grand-cieling all day with excitement. She'll burst when she sees you!'
'She's read the story, too. Elle dit que c'est le bouquet!'
'There's new furniture in the salon, and they've cleaned the sink while you've been away!…'
The author moved forward out of the crowd. At the same moment another figure, slight and shadowy, revealed itself, outlined against the white of the gleaming street. It had been hidden in the tangle of the stars. It kept so quiet.
'Countess, may I introduce him to you,' he said, seizing the momentary pause. There was little ceremony in Bourcelles. 'This is my cousin I told you about—Mr. Henry Rogers. You must know one another at once. He's Orion in the story.'
He dragged up his big friend, who seemed suddenly awkward, difficult to move. The children ran in and out between them like playing puppies, tumbling against each in turn.
'They don't know which is which,' observed Jinny, watching the introduction. Her voice ran past him like the whir of a shooting star through space—far, far away. 'Excuse me!' she cried, as she cannoned off Monkey against Cousinenry. 'I'm not a terminus! This is a regular shipwreck!'
The three elder ones drew aside a little from the confusion.