But Arthur’s relief was of short duration. Mr. Spencer forthwith proceeded to exhibit great familiarity with both of the ladies—a familiarity which they did not appear to resent. Mrs. Hart, indeed, reciprocated to the extent of addressing him as Dick. His conversation made it manifest that he had traveled with them in Europe. He was constantly referring to people and places and events about which Arthur was altogether ignorant. His every other sentence began: “Do you remember?” Arthur was excessively uneasy; but he had determined to sit Mr. Spencer out, though he should, peradventure, remain until sunrise.
Mr. Spencer did indeed remain till the night had got on its last legs. It lacked but a quarter of midnight when, finally, he accomplished his exit.
Said Mrs. Hart, after he had gone: “A Boston man.”
“We met him,” said Mrs. Lehmyl, “at Aix-les-Bains. He’s a remarkably well-informed musician—writes criticisms for one of the Boston papers.”
“He came this evening,” went on Mrs. Hart, “to tell us of the happy termination of a love affair in which he was involved when we last saw him. He’s going to be married.”
At these words Arthur’s spirits shot up far above their customary level. So! There was no occasion for jealousy in the quarter of Mr. Spencer, at any rate. The reaction was so great that had Mr. Spencer still been present, I think our hero would have felt like hugging him.
“A very fine fellow, I should judge,” he said. “I have outstaid him because I wanted to tell you that Hetzel and I have devised a jolly little plan for Sunday, in which we are anxious to have you join us. Our idea is to spend the afternoon in the Metropolitan Art Museum. You know, the pictures are well worth an inspection; and on Sunday there is no crowd. Hetz has procured a Sunday ticket through the courtesy of the director. Then, afterward, you are to come back with us and take dinner—if the weather permits, out on our roof. Mrs. Berle will be at the dinner, though she doesn’t care to go with us to see the pictures. We may count upon you, may we not?”
“Oh, certainly; that will be delightful,” said Mrs. Hart.
“Then we will call for you at about three o’clock?”
“Yes.”