Three or four young men and women were on the veranda steps not far off. A few minutes since they had bantered Jimmy, but when Laura arrived they went. Jimmy rather thought she had meant them to go and he gave her a smile.
"I expect you have inherited some of Mr. Stannard's talents," he remarked.
"For example?"
Jimmy indicated the rather noisy group. "It looks as if you knew my head ached and I couldn't stand for Stevens' jokes. When you joined me he and his friends went off. Your father arranges things like that, without much obvious effort."
"I knew the doctor stated you must not be bothered," Laura admitted. "Besides, I engaged to go fishing with Stevens and some others, and before I get back expect I'll have enough."
"Is Dillon going?"
"Frank planned the excursion," said Laura and Jimmy was satisfied.
Dillon was a young American whom Jimmy rather liked, but to think Laura liked Frank annoyed him. Now, however, she had admitted that his society had not much charm.
"Anyhow, you're very kind," he remarked, and indicated the fruit and flowers. "These things don't grow in the mountains."
"The station is not far off and to send a telegram is not much bother."