She sighed. “Very likely. With this blanket about one’s ears anything was possible.”
They started on again. A few moments later the final shower had ceased. Swiftly the clouds dispersed, but the mist, although illumined by the sun, still lingered over land and sea. Solomon, followed by his friends, climbed the gentle ascent at the end of the beach, and as they hastened 173on among the pines all felt a mild excitement on approaching the cottage.
Gathered about the doorway, as if to welcome the returning travellers, stood a few white hens and the pompous rooster. To this impressive bird Pats took off his hat with a deferential bow.
“Glad to see you again, Senator.”
“Why ‘Senator’? Because nobody listens when he talks?” Elinor had been to Washington.
“Yes; and he knows so little and feels so good over it.”
From its hiding-place behind the vines, Pats took the key and opened the door. With a military salute he stood aside, and the lady entered. He followed; and as he unslung his knapsack Elinor looked about her with a pleased expression.
“How rich it all is!” she exclaimed. “I had forgotten what a splendid collection we had.”
Pats drew a long breath, as if to inhale the magnificence.
“Are you familiar with bric-à-brac shops?” he asked.