His present employment brought him just ten dollars and the association of a barkeeper—would it satisfy him? However, he managed to say, without too great a show of emotion: “It is more than I expected.”
“Well, then, that point is settled,” said the widow with a brisk business air, which provided such a sharp contrast to her delightful womanly qualities and caused Dennis to wonder at the graceful alternation of the one with the other. “Now as to board: In the rear of the conservatory is a suite of rooms as cozy as any young man could wish. At the end of the week I expect to have them vacated.
“They are occupied just now by the manager, but he has already been notified through my attorney, and all will be in readiness for you by next Monday.
“It has been somewhat difficult to make him comprehend my purpose; it is so different from what he expected. He is incautious enough to demand a reason.”
“There is one,” ventured Dennis boldly, “if I may venture to suggest it.”
“Surely!” replied the widow, remarking Dennis curiously.
“Well,” replied the young man as he recalled the astonishing array of details surrounding the death of the æsthetic proprietor, “just enclose him a note with two words in it.”
“And those?” queried the widow as Dennis paused.
“Cape Jessamine.”
For a space Dennis feared that he had offended. A shade of depression darkened the lovely features before him, but his companion looked into his apprehensive eyes reassuringly as she said: “You have penetration.”