"Why? Are you hungry?"
"Rather," said Maurice, looking significantly at Tom, hoping that he would take the hint and go. He was ignorant of the invitation which had been given and accepted.
"Mr. Grey will stop to supper, Maurice," said Bessie.
"Oh! will he?" said Maurice; but his manner was far from showing pleasure.
He left the room soon after, and, at six, Mr. Benton came in. He was a stout, pleasant-looking man, with a look of Bessie about the eyes, and he very cordially welcomed our hero.
"My daughter tells me you took good care of her on the way from Buffalo, Mr. Grey," he said.
"I tried to," said Tom.
"Accept my thanks for your attentions. You are not very old for a protector," he added, with a smile, "but, from her account, you answered the purpose."
"There wasn't much to do," said Tom, modestly. "I'd like to do it again."
Bessie blushed a little, and laughed.