“Well, of all the—”
But Eleanor effectively stifled her aunt’s righteous indignation by putting her arms about the thin shoulders.
“There, Aunty, dear,” she wheedled, “don’t mind him. Now, I’ll do anything you say. Do you wish me to help you with your accounts?”
“Or,” put in Barnes, “do you wish us to catch you a fish?”
Aunt Philomela rose to her feet and swept grandly towards the door.
“A fish by all means,” she answered.
At the door she paused and added:
“I have no doubt that Mr. Barnes will find it unnecessary to use even so much as a hook in his fishing.”
She hurried out leaving the girl staring in amazement at Barnes.
“At cards last night,” explained Barnes, “I won fifty-three sulphur matches from your Aunt—mostly by bluffing.”