“We have relations of that name,” he said.
“This lady is rich.”
“So is the one I refer to. However, I suppose it is a common name.”
It was now Thursday.
On Friday afternoon, Mrs. Harcourt said, “I want you to pack up this evening, Edwin. We leave this hotel to-morrow morning early.”
“Where do we go—mother?”
“I won’t tell you now, Edwin,” said Mrs. Harcourt playfully. “I want it to be a surprise.”
The next morning the cab called at an early hour, and Ben and his patroness got in. Mrs. Harcourt instructed the driver where to go in a low voice. The door was closed, and they rattled down town through Eighth Avenue.
At length they reached the pier, and with some difficulty threaded their way through the crowd of vehicles. The stately steamer was already alive with passengers and their friends.
“What steamer is that!” asked Ben in excitement.