“I—I beg your pardon,” said Gerald, blushing in his turn.
“What for?”
“Because I think I asked you something that—that there was no reason for me to be told.”
“O, don’t mention it,” returned Touchtone. He recovered his self-possession so curiously lost. “It is just as well that you did, I rather believe. Some day, perhaps, I can explain about it to you. No harm done. Pompey! Pompey!” he called out in his pleasant voice to a tall servant walking across the back piazza of the dining-room. “Come here, please, and help take some of these things to Mrs. Ingraham’s store-room. If you will wait a moment,” he continued, to Gerald, “I’ll walk around to the front with you. I want to see Mr. Marcy.”
The contents of the wagon were disposed of among the servants. Nebuchadnezzar set out by himself for the stables, at a word of command from Philip.
On the front steps were some groups chatting, reading, writing, or watching the nearer of two games of tennis, played at a little distance, out upon the wide lawn. The Ossokosee was to close for the season within about a fortnight, and only the uncommon heat of the September weather kept it still fairly full.
“Halloa, Philip!” called Mr. Marcy from the desk. The office inclosure was a handsome addition to the hall, with its cheerful stained glass, carved railings, rows of letter and key boxes and bell signals. “Where did you light upon that young gentleman? I’m not sorry, Gerald. Your father has left you in my charge, and you’re too heavy a responsibility. I think I’ll turn you over to Philip there. You might make a pretty fair guardian, Philip.”
“All right,” returned Gerald, gayly. “I say, guardian,” he continued, turning with mischievous eyes to Touchtone, “can’t you come up to my room after you get through your luncheon? Harry Dexter and I are going down to the lake at four o’clock to see them practice for the regatta. But we’ll have plenty of time first.”
“I am going to the lake myself,” said Philip. “I belong to the Ossokosee crew that rows, you know.”
“O, yes; so you do. Then we can all go together. You’ll come, wont you?” And he seemed so anxious that Touchtone answered, “Yes,” and “Thank you,” at once.