"I never heard of it."
"Didn't you?"
"It can't be much of a hotel."
"I've seen better myself," said Tom. "It don't compare with the Fifth Avenue, in New York."
"Did you ever stop there?"
"I've been there often."
Tom did not explain that he once blacked boots in front of the hotel for several weeks. He did not feel disposed to take Maurice too much in his confidence. The fact is, that Maurice was considerably mystified as to Tom's position and claims to consideration.
There was, of course, a certain want of polish about our hero, the result of his early associations, which led Maurice to doubt if Tom was not socially his inferior. On the other hand, Tom's free and easy allusions to the Fifth Avenue Hotel, for instance, tended to combat this view. He became silent, and listened to the conversation between his cousin and Tom, which was altogether too free and animated to suit his taste.
"I wonder how long he's going to stay?" he thought.
"Isn't it most supper time, Bessie?" he asked, at length.