"I don't mean the girl, I mean the woman sitting by her?"
"That is—hem—hem—that is Doctor Williams sitting——"
Old Hurricane turned abruptly around and favored his nephew with a severe, scrutinizing gaze, demanding:
"Herbert, have you been drinking so early in the morning? Demmy, sir, this is not the season for mint juleps before breakfast! Is that great, stout, round-bodied, red-faced old Doctor Williams a little woman? I see him sitting on the right of Miss Day. I didn't refer to him! I referred to that still, quiet little woman sitting on her left, who has never stirred hand or foot since she sat down there. Who is she?"
"That woman? Oh, she?—yes—ah, let me see—she is a—Miss Day's companion!" faltered Herbert.
"To the demon with you! Who does not see that? But who is she? What is her name?" abruptly demanded Old Hurricane.
"Her name is a—a—did you ever see her before, sir?"
"I don't know! That is what I am trying to remember; but, sir, will you answer my question?"
"You seem very much interested in her."
"You seem very much determined not to let me know who she is! Hang it, sir, will you or will you not tell me that woman's name?"