"Out for a tramp as a digester," explained Dave. "Came to call on my friend Lydia. I ain't seen her for ages."
He and Levine nodded to each other. Amos shook hands and Dave kissed
Lydia, catching a dark scowl on Levine's face as he did so.
"Let's play paper dolls," said Margery, as soon as she had pulled off her coat.
"You play 'em," replied Lydia, "I'm awful tired."
"Why should a baby like you be tired?" inquired Marshall, pulling her to his side as he seated himself in Amos' arm chair.
"If you'd tasted our dinner," said Amos, "you'd know why she and Lizzie should be half dead."
"I wish I could 'a' tasted it," replied Marshall. "Have a smoke, friends?"
Amos took a cigar but Levine refused.
"Come, John, come," said the stout banker, banteringly. "This is a legal holiday and you and I at least agree on Lydia. Let's stop war for the day, eh?"
Levine's sallow face hardened, then he caught Lydia's blue gaze on him as she stood beside Marshall. It was such a transparent, trusting gaze, so full of affection, so obviously appealing to him to "be nice," that in spite of himself he grinned and took a cigar.