“I do mind that—not going with you.” Hildegarde looked into the woman’s weather-beaten face, and felt regret deepen.
From columns of Van Camp Mr. Blumpitty raised his weary eyes and they fell on an acquaintance in the crowd. You saw that even the teeth of the dun-colored husband were yellow-gray. But the effect of his watery smile was altogether gray, and without suspicion of any hue less somber. It made you think of a dripping day in November, with winter all before you. But lo! it was the cheerful giant Blumpitty had recognized. How long had he been there at Hildegarde’s elbow.
“What’s that I heard you sayin’ against the Congress?” he demanded of Blumpitty. “Congress is the best boat goin’.”
“We couldn’t get passage for all of us on the Congress,” said Blumpitty meekly.
“And we didn’t want to be divided,” contributed Mrs. Blumpitty.
“We’re sure the Los Angeles is all right.”
“What makes you sure?”
“Becuz she’s just fresh from the Gover’mint service.”
The giant laughed, and took out a big silver watch. Hildegarde saw with a start of surprise that it was past luncheon time.