Mr. Thornton raised his hat, and bent that "magnificent figure" in the most profound salutation, while Marion responded with a bow, which, as her father whispered to her, "was dignity itself."
After the usual bustle accompanying an arrival was over, and some little time had been spent in chatting, Mr. Berkley said:—
"Come, Fred, you and Mr. Thornton must be hungry; go out and get some breakfast; we have had ours, but Marion will do the honors."
"We breakfasted before we left," answered Fred. "I knew we should be late; but we'll do double duty at dinner."
"I'm sorry for that," whispered Mr. Berkley to Marion, as he handed her his meerschaum to fill, "for I wanted to prove the last part of my description. I know you've accepted the first part already as perfect."
"Hush, papa! don't be silly," answered Marion, as she dipped her fingers into the tobacco-box.
"Miss Berkley, can you fill a pipe?" asked Mr. Thornton.
"Why, of course she can," said her father; "she's filled mine ever since she was so high. I should have given up smoking long ago if it hadn't been for her."
"That's all nonsense, papa; you'll never stop smoking till the day of your death; so I suppose I shall always fill your pipe."
"Miss Berkley," said Mr. Thornton, with a graceful little bow, "I wish while I am here I might be allowed the pleasure of having my pipe filled by those fair fingers."