"Did I?" I remarked, with a wry face. "I was under the impression that I looked very ridiculous," and I turned a quick, mischievous glance toward Miss Warren, who seemed well content to remain in the background.
"Yes," she said, laughing, "your appearance did not comport with your deeds."
"I'm not so sure about that," I replied, dryly. "At any rate, I much prefer the present to reminiscences."
"I trust that you will permit me, as one of the most interested parties, to thank you also," began Mr. Hearn, impressively.
"No, indeed, sir," I exclaimed, a little brusquely. "Thanks do not agree with my constitution at all."
"Hurrah!" cried Reuben, looking in at the parlor window.
"Yes, here's the man to thank," I resumed. "Even after being struck by lightning he was equal to the emergency."
"No, thee don't, Richard," laughed Reuben. "Thee needn't think thee's going to palm that thing off on me. We've all come to our senses now."
For some reason Miss Warren laughed heartily, and then said to me, "You look so well and genial to-night that I do begin to think it was some other tramp."
"I fear I'm the same old tramp; for, as Reuben says, we have all come to our senses."