DeVare had found a seat near Miss Carrover, and was soon absorbed in conversation with her—supposing, of course, that after an introduction I would have nothing to do but proceed to enjoyment. A procedure not always of consummate ease!
As I was sitting very near the circle around Miss Minnie, I soon found that I was not only the object of their mischievous glances but also of their wit. Their tones were just loud enough for me to hear, and after each sally all would join in a laugh, which Miss Minnie often led. From this they began to address themselves to me, calling me Fresh, asking what I had come for, and if I was not ashamed to use the parlor mirror to dress by. (I had been unconsciously adjusting my cravat in the mirror over the mantel.)
As I was not certain whether the Sophs’ prerogative extended to a private parlor or not, I was afraid to say anything, but sat still, while my embarrassment drove the blood almost through my cheeks, and beaded my forehead with great drops of perspiration.
Miss Minnie then inquired if I would sit still or take a seat nearer the fire—the point of her remark lying in fact that it was quite a warm night, and there was not a spark in the fireplace.
I tried to say “No, thank you,” but not recognizing my own voice, cut it off with “No——,” which itself was so meekly stammered it had no decided negative character; but it had the effect of raising all the voices of the Sophs, who cried out:
“Oh, how impolite, Fresh, to say no to a lady! Where did you learn your manners? How extremely vulgar!”
I was just on the point of rushing from the room when DeVare’s attention was attracted at this outcry, and he took in the position of affairs at a glance. His face was aglow with scorn and indignation as he rose from Miss Carrover’s side and strode to our part of the room.
“Gentlemen,” he said—looking with withering contempt on the circle around Miss Minnie, “though the term is a misnomer—I have introduced Mr. Smith here: an insult to him is an insult to me. The presence of ladies is no place for a quarrel, but I characterize your conduct as ungentlemanly, and will be ready to hear from any of you at any time. You know my name and the number of my room. Miss Minnie, pardon me, but I am surprised that you should have allowed or encouraged such conduct in your house.”
“Really, Mr. DeVare, you are not in earnest?” said Miss Minnie, with imperturbable good humor. “Why, I thought even the ladies had a right to tease the Fresh.”