“I hope you don’t compare me with that low boy,” said James scornfully.
“I dare say his mother wouldn’t exchange one Jimmy for another,” remarked Tom jokingly.
“She’s welcome to the brat,” said James loftily. “I have nothing in common with such people.”
CHAPTER VIII
THE TWO COUSINS.
THE SUPPER was as excellent as the dinner, and Tom, made hungry by his exertions upon the river, enjoyed it.
By accident he found himself seated next to Mary Somers, the poor cousin. The two conversed quite socially, rather to the disgust of Imogene, who, hearing that Tom was rich, wished to monopolize him herself. She was vexed to find that he was considerably more attentive to her penniless cousin than he had been to herself.
If Mary had been homely, and she herself handsome, she could have been quite friendly, but Mary’s fresh color and bright eyes showed to such advantage compared with her own sallow complexion and dull eyes that she envied and hated her.
“Did you have a pleasant afternoon, Mr. Temple?” asked Mary.