“I hate him,” said John.
“I don’t love him overmuch myself,” said Moore.
John and his cousin were not the only acquaintances who recognized Gilbert on that evening.
Randolph and his mother sat two rows behind the Vivians. Mr. Briggs had intended to come, but had a headache. He had suggested that the extra ticket be sent to Gilbert; but Mrs. Briggs had decisively objected.
“I don’t care about having that boy seen with us in Steinway Hall,” she said.
“Why not?” asked Mr. Briggs.
“I don’t fancy him. Besides, he would be presuming on our kindness.”
“I don’t think he is the kind of boy to do that,” said Mr. Briggs, who understood Gilbert much better than his wife. “It is a pity the ticket should not be used.”
“If it were in a different part of the house, away from our seats, I should not care particularly,” said Mrs. Briggs. “If he went with us, he might be thought to be a near relative.”
“I don’t think he would do us any discredit, either in appearance or in manners,” said her husband.