“You flatter me. If I have attracted her attention, it is only as a schoolmaster. She professes to have literary tastes, and supposes that I am gifted in the same way. When you ascend my vacant throne her attention will be transferred to you.”
“You enchant me,” said Walter, amused. “But I am afraid I look too young to attract the young lady’s attention.”
“I will prove to the contrary. Do you see that note?” exhibiting a small billet, written on pink paper.
“What is it?”
“I will read it. You will see that it concerns both of us.”
Mr. Barclay held up the note and read in pompous tones the contents, as follows:
“Miss Melinda Athanasia Jones presents her compliments to Mr. Barclay and his friend, Mr. Howard, and hopes they will do her the honor to spend Saturday evening at her bower, that she may enjoy the rare pleasure of literary converse with congenial spirits.”
“Quite a high-flown invitation,” said Walter. “What does she mean by her bower?”
“Only her apartment in the hotel. It is a poetic designation, that’s all.”
“Who will be present?”