“For Heaven’s sake!” exclaimed Don, dropping his pine boughs on the doorstep and rushing to meet him. “I call this mighty good of you.”
“I could hardly do less for Pendleton’s boy,” answered Barton.
“Well, sir, you’re mighty welcome. Come right in. Oh, Sally,” he called.
Sally came on the run, not knowing what had happened. She wore a calico apron and had not found time to do her hair since morning. 311 It was not exactly the costume she would have chosen in which first to meet Mr. Barton. Her cheeks showed it.
“Sally,” said Don, “this is Mr. Barton––my father’s lawyer. Mr. Barton, this is Miss Winthrop.”
Barton bowed low with old-fashioned courtesy. Then he allowed his keen gray eyes to rest a moment upon hers.
“I am very glad to meet you,” he said.
“Will you come in?” she asked. “I’m afraid the house is very much in disorder just now, but I want you to meet my aunt.”
Mrs. Halliday was scarcely more presentable than Miss Winthrop, but the latter found a certain relief in that fact.
“I’m glad to know you,” Mrs. Halliday greeted him cordially.