"I did come, mamma; but, would you believe it, I slept so sound I didn't hear the gong, nor Sam either. Did you, Sam?"
"We both slept pretty sound," said Sam.
"Well, Julia, I am glad you got through without accident. Have you had any breakfast?"
"Not a mouthful, mamma. I'm as hungry as a bear."
"I will have some sent up at once. Mr. Barker, I hope you will join my daughter at breakfast."
"Thank you," said Sam, not without satisfaction, for he certainly did feel frightfully hungry.
A substantial breakfast was brought up, and, unromantic as it may seem, both Sam and Julia made great havoc among the eatables.
"I don't think I ever felt so hungry in the whole course of my life," said Julia. "Did you, Sam?"
"I never did, either," said Sam, with his mouth full.
"My dear," said Mrs. Stockton, "Mr. Barker will think you very familiar. It is not the custom to use a gentleman's first name on such short acquaintance."