The young man flushed, and for the first time in their acquaintance showed signs of real embarrassment.
“It was nothing,” he said. “The man was drunk and drunken men are easy to manage.”
“But he was not easy to manage,” exclaimed Ruth. “He was a giant in size and strength.”
The young foreigner shrugged his shoulders and the flush deepened on his face.
“Well, well,” laughed Major Ten Eyck, “we won’t embarrass you any more by insisting on your being a hero whether you will or no. Here comes Mary to show you to your rooms, ladies. You look as fresh as the morning, but after a night spent in a Gypsy camp perhaps you would like to spruce up a bit before luncheon. Come along, José, and let me show you my library. I am very proud of my collection of Spanish books. I want your opinion of them.”
The major waved his hand gallantly to the five women who were following the housekeeper up the carved oak staircase to the regions above.
“Am I awake, or asleep?” asked Mollie. “This whole morning has seemed like a dream, and now this lovely old house——”
“And the lovely old major, in the lovely old house,” added Ruth.
“Isn’t he a dear!” pursued Mollie. “I wonder if Miss Sallie is sorry now,” she continued to herself. “If he were as gentle and charming when he was young as he is now, I don’t think I could have been cross with him, ever.”
Meanwhile, Barbara was saying to Miss Stuart: