"Then I'll stay," said Tom, promptly.
"How do you like the city? Have you been about much?"
"Yes, I've been goin' round all day. It isn't as big as New York, but I like it."
Just then Maurice Walton entered the parlor. He stopped short on seeing Tom, not over-pleased at the sight of a possible rival.
"This is Gilbert. Mr. Grey, Maurice," said Bessie.
"How d'ye do?" returned Maurice, ungraciously.
"Pretty well," said Tom. "I hope you're the same."
"You found the way up here pretty quick," said Maurice, rather rudely.
"Yes," said Tom. "I wanted to see your cousin—and you," he added, slyly, perceiving the feelings of Maurice.
"Where are you stopping?"