Puffing and grunting, he finally rose to his feet, wiped the perspiration from his face, and stood there, bowing and smiling in a manner that was little short of distressing.
Frank led the Dutchman up the steps and presented him to the ladies. Hans' effort at suave politeness as he bowed with his hand over his heart was most laughable.
"Mine cootness! vos dot Inza Purrage?" he gurgled. "I used to think she vos der most peautiful girl vot efer seen me, but, so hellup me sour krout, she vos sixdeen times prettier-lookin' than efer!"
"You're the same old flatterer, Hans," said Inza; "but you mustn't try to flirt with me now. I'm married, you know."
"Vy dit you hurriness so much? Vy dit I not vait for you?" he demanded.
"Here's Elsie, Hans."
"Vot, dot—dot angel vomans mit der golden hair her head all ofer?"
"She's now Mrs. Hodge," explained Bart.
Hans struck himself a furious blow on the chest and staggered.
"Dere I vos again!" he groaned. "Oh, vot a terrible misdake for her! Elsie Pellwood—und she iss now Elsie Hotch? By Chiminy! you vos a lucky poy, Part; but I don'd blame her when I see tears in her eyes because she knows I vos not marreed mineselluf."