"But how different," thought Harry, "from a great city daily!"
"Let us go out to dinner," said Mr. Vincent, consulting his watch.
"I have an engagement immediately afterward."
At table Harry sat between Maud and Oscar. If at first he felt a little bashful, the feeling soon wore away. The dinner hour passed very pleasantly. Mr. Vincent chatted very agreeably about men and things. There is no one better qualified to shine in this kind of conversation than the editor of a city daily, who is compelled to be exceptionally well informed. Harry listened with such interest that he almost forgot to eat, till Oscar charged him with want of appetite.
"I must leave in haste," said Mr. Vincent, when dinner was over.
"Oscar, I take it for granted that you will take care of your friend."
"Certainly, father. I shall look upon myself as his guardian, adviser and friend."
"You are not very well fitted to be a mentor, Oscar," said Maud.
"Why not, young lady?"
"You need a guardian yourself. You are young and frivolous."
"And you, I suppose, are old and judicious."
"Thank you. I will own to the last, and the first will come in time."