"I like this man," she said. "He is not afraid."
Once or twice Mrs. Joyce looked out at them, but they made such a pretty picture she had not the heart to disturb them.
At seven o'clock she was forced to interrupt: "What are you children up to?"
"Improving our minds," answered Leo. "Are we starting back? What time is it?"
Mrs. Joyce smiled. "That question is a great compliment to your company. It's dinner-time."
"Are we starting now?"
"No; we're going to stay all night."
"Fine!" shouted Victor. "I was wondering how I could put in the evening."
"It's time to dress," warned Mrs. Joyce. "This is no happy-go-easy establishment. I never saw such perfection of service as Alexander always has. I can't get it, or if I get it I can't keep it; while here, with the master gone half the time, the wheels go like a chronometer."
"It's all due to Marie. She worshiped Mrs. Bartol, and she venerates Mr. Bartol."