The introductions over, Mr. Ashby quickly smoothed the way for the nervous little man from the west; but Dodo wondered why her mother had the impression that these people were inferior because they were in business in New York. She had never met any one more refined, or who showed truer gentility than these people.
After an exchange of words, Mr. Alexander whispered to his daughter: “Dodo, do you think we’d better go out to Ma? She might get huffy, you know, when she finds out we’ve been meetin’ all the nice people and leavin’ her in the cold.”
“We’ll all go out, Mr. Alexander,” suggested Eleanor, seeing how much better it would be for the two culprits if Mrs. Alexander had to entertain a number of new-comers instead of her own people.
They started to go on deck, but Mr. Alexander hastily surveyed himself in a mirror as he passed. Then he pulled at Mr. Fabian’s sleeve.
“I reckon I’d better take off the ulster before the Missus sees me in it. She can’t bear it, ’cause she thinks it looks like a workin’-man’s coat.”
So saying, the wrap was slipped off and Mr. Alexander straightened the cap on his shiny head. He brushed a speck from his pale grey spats, and tugged at his tie to have it correctly placed. Then he hurried after the others. In that time, Mr. Fabian saw how hen-pecked the poor little man must be, and he resolved to stand by him in his troubles. Thus Dodo won two allies, and her father unconsciously acquired a splendid friend for times of need.
“Have you ever been abroad before?” asked Mr. Ashby, as Mr. Alexander caught up with him.
“Not on your life! The States is good enough for me, but Dodo had to be saved, you see, and I come along.”
Mr. Ashby knew nothing of Mrs. Alexander’s hopes and aspirations, and he was in the dark about the little man’s words.
“You have a great treat awaiting you, if you have never visited the famous old cities of Europe, before,” added Mr. Ashby.