“I’m so sorry Bob cannot stay after to-morrow morning,” she said. At mention of Bob’s name Tavia turned her head toward the sidewalk, and away from the stranger. “Do you recall the first time we met him, Tavia?”
“I don’t recall much about Bob,” said Tavia, diffidently, “I think he is too domineering. He is always preaching to me!”
“He takes a brotherly interest in your welfare,” teased Dorothy, for Bob was the one subject on which Tavia could really be teased. “Ned seems to have lost his place of big brother to Tavia,” she continued, meanwhile casting sidewise glances at the man opposite. He sat staring deliberately at Tavia, and Dorothy was just about to suggest that they leave the ’bus and rid themselves of the man’s distasteful glances, when Tavia glanced across the aisle and recognized the real estate agent!
For some reason that Tavia could not then fathom, she trembled, and quickly jumped up, saying to Dorothy:
“Let’s get off here! I’d rather walk the rest of the way; wouldn’t you?”
As Dorothy had been about to suggest that very thing, she looked in surprise from the man to Tavia and saw him raise his hat.
“This is a very fortunate meeting,” said Mr. Akerson to Tavia, “I couldn’t have asked for anything more timely. Mrs. White, your aunt, expects to be at my office in twenty minutes and she expressed a desire, over the telephone, to have you girls meet her there. How strangely things happen! I am so fortunate as to be able to deliver the message, and you will get there almost as soon as she will.” He spoke easily, and with a slight smile about his lips.
“My aunt?” repeated Tavia, mystified, “I haven’t an aunt!”
“Isn’t Mrs. White your aunt,” he asked.
“Mrs. White is my aunt,” interrupted Dorothy. “Who are you please?”