“Gordon,” prompted Hope gently.
“Thank you. Yes, Mr. Gordon. I was obliged to inform him that the room would not be satisfactory. I then learned that there was no other room to be had at the school. Quite extraordinary, I would say.”
He paused and seemed to be pondering the fact. Hope waited. After a moment he looked up in his funny startled way.
“I—I beg your pardon!” he said confusedly. “I—I fear I am detaining you.”
“Oh, no, sir. I’ll tell my mother that you are here.”
“If you will be so kind.” He bowed gravely.
But Mrs. Hazard was already on the way, having heard the voices on the porch. As she came out Mr. Hanks arose from his chair and bowed. Then, as an afterthought, he removed his faded straw hat.
“Mama,” said Hope, “this is Mr. Nancy Hanks—I mean—” She faltered in confusion. Mr. Hanks came to the rescue.
“I fear you did not get the name quite correctly,” he said politely. “Artemus Hanks is the name.”