"I thought, perhaps, he had gone away because you didn't smile upon his suit."
Miss Angelica laughed and tossed her head in great delight.
"As if I would tell you," she said.
"I only hope he hasn't committed suicide."
"Oh, Mr. Barton, how can you? Really, I shall have to complain to ma."
All this was very amusing to Bert, who had a natural love of fun, and quite understood Angelica by this time, though, truth to tell, she was not difficult to read.
When supper was over, Miss Stubbs said graciously: "Mr. Barton, if you are not pressed for time, will you linger a while? I play a little on the piano, and if you are fond of music, I will play for you. Usually I have to be in the store, but this is my evening off."
"I shall be glad to stay, Miss Stubbs. I am fond of music."
"Mr. Harding often lingered with me in the evening hours. He liked to hear me play."
"As I no doubt shall."