“Well, when she is here I know where she is.”
“So does anybody within hearin'. I never saw such a change in a person as there is in you. And all inside of a week. You used to go out of the room when that Black woman came into it. Now you kiss her when she comes.”
“No, Daddy; I kiss her when she goes.”
With which puzzling statement the interview ended.
B. Phelps accompanied his wife when the latter called to discuss the Canby invitation. His coming was unusual, the Dotts had seen comparatively little of him since their arrival in Scarford. Daniel was glad he came. Black and he were not altogether congenial; the captain would not have chosen him as an intimate; but at least there would be someone present with whom he could exchange a word. As B. Phelps did not care for Chapters and “At Homes” any more than he did, there was that bond between them.
Mr. Hungerford was, for a wonder, not in when the callers came. He went out very little nowadays, except when Miss Dott and her mother went; then he was always ready to go.
Annette declared that the Canby “At Home” was certain to be a most unusual affair. “So—er—well, so different,” she explained. “Miss Canby is a very unusual woman, a unique woman, and her affairs are always as unique as she is. So truly Bohemian. I adore Bohemians, don't you, Gertrude?”
Gertrude said she did. “I don't know that I've met a great many,” she added, “but I'm sure they must be very enjoyable.”
“Oh, they are! And Miss Canby is one. The very first time I attended a gathering at her home I said to myself: 'THIS is true Bohemianism.'”
Captain Dan was astonished.