He found Mrs. Ellis very apologetic about the Lossing engagement. It was made through the telephone; Esther had been anxious to have her father meet Lossing; Lossing was to drive them there, and later show Mr. Armorer the town.
“Mr. Lossing is a very clever young man, very,” said Armorer, gravely, as he went out to smoke his cigar after luncheon. He wished he had stayed, however, when he returned to find that a visitor had called, and that this visitor was the mother of the little boy that Harry Lossing had saved from the car. The two women gave him the accident in full, and were lavish of harrowing detail, including the mother's feelings. “So you see, 'Raish,” urged Mrs. Ellis, timidly, “there is some reason for opposition to the ordinance.”
Esther's cheeks were red and her eyes shone, but she had not spoken. Her father put his arm around her waist and kissed her hair. “And what did you say, Essie,” he asked, gently, “to all the criticisms?”
“I told her I thought you would find some way to protect the children even if the conductors were taken off; you didn't enjoy the slaughter of children any more than anyone else.”
“I guess we can fix it. Here is your young man.”
Harry drove a pair of spirited horses. He drove well, and looked both handsome and happy.
“Did you know that lady—the mother of the boy that wasn't run over—was coming to see my sister?” said Armorer, on the way.
“I did,” said Harry, “I sent her; I thought she could explain the reason why I shall have to oppose the bill, better than I.”
Armorer made no reply.
At the shops he kept his eye on the young man. Harry seemed to know most of his workmen, and had a nod or a word for all the older men. He stopped several moments to talk with one old German who complained of everything, but looked after Harry with a smile, nodding his head. “That man, Lieders, is our best workman; you can't get any better work in the country,” said he. “I want you to see an armoire that he has carved, it is up in our exhibition room.”