He leaned back again, and then repeated aloud, "Not that I've anything against Samuel, or fur as I know, Samuel against me."
"Well! may I be scuttled," said Calvin Parks, "if ever I see the beat of this! Why, Sim Sill—"
At this moment another door opened behind him, and a clear, pleasant voice said,
"Dinner's ready, Cousin Sim! Cousin Sam, dinner's ready!"
Mr. Simeon Sill made a gesture of introduction. "Calvin," he said, "let me make you acquainted with my cousin Miss Sands!"
Calvin Parks rose and made his best bow. "Miss Hands," he said, "I am pleased to meet you, I'm sure!"
CHAPTER II
BROTHERLY WAYS
"You'll stay to dinner, Cal?" said Mr. Sim.