Tom had no further opportunity to converse with Mary Somers that evening. Imogene laid herself out to entertain him, and at all events succeeded in monopolizing his attention. Tom was not unaccustomed to society, and although he was weary of his companion, he was too polite to say so. He permitted her to show him several collections of engravings, and forced himself to converse, though his eyes frequently wandered to Mary, who was sitting at the other end of the room, wholly neglected. Neither James nor Edwin thought it necessary to go near her, but were playing a game of checkers, while Mr. Davenport was nodding over his newspaper, and Mrs. Davenport was attending to some feminine work.
Our hero was glad when the time came to go. He found the Middletons curious to hear the particulars of his reception by the great man of the place.
“What do you think of Miss Imogene?” asked Nathan.
“She’s thin and bony,” said Tom; “not at all good-looking.”
“Really,” said Nathan, rather shocked, “I think you are unjust. She is considered a very stylish young lady.”
“Her cousin Mary is pretty,” said Tom.
“I suppose you know she is only a poor relation.”
“I know all about that,” said Tom, laughing. “Imogene told me. She thought I was paying her too much attention.”
Mr. and Mrs. Middleton exchanged glances. They understood that the great man’s daughter was pleased with Tom, and thought more of him accordingly.
“Will you have some refreshments before you retire?” asked Mrs. Middleton.