But by the time the order had been obeyed the boy was far behind.
“We will go back!” was the authoritative decision, and accordingly, a moment after, Blue was surprised to see the big car draw up to the sidewalk just ahead.
He lifted his cap in response to Daphne’s smile.
“How do you do?” asked the little one. “And how is the beautiful Caruso? I wish you would go home with me, and let him sing for my mother and sister. Will you?”
“That’s what I came for,” Blue admitted. “I thought—that is, Doodles thought—p’raps she’d like to hear him; but the girl said she couldn’t see anybody, and you were out, and so—I didn’t stay,” he ended lamely.
“Then you will come?” She opened the door.
For an instant he hesitated.
“He can sit with Simon,” suggested the attendant.
“There is plenty of room here,” asserted Daphne, moving aside with a cordial smile.
The boy stepped lightly in, and Simon reached back and shut the door.