[“‘I have the honor to introduce to your attention the world-famed Signor Billinuni’”]
“It’s Seth Billings!” cried Chub.
“It’s ‘W. N.’!” murmured Roy.
“It’s the Poet!” exclaimed Harry.
“More familiarly known,” laughed the man, abandoning his pose and extravagant manner, “as Billy Noon, at your service.”
“Oh!” cried Harry, scrambling somewhat confusedly to her feet. “You—you’ve come to supper, haven’t you? Won’t you—won’t you be seated?”
“After you, my dear young lady,” answered Mr. Noon gallantly.
“We thought you weren’t coming,” said Chub. “We were just sending Dick over on a relief expedition with some clothes. What happened? Did you get wet?”
The guest had laid aside his tall silk hat and seated himself on the ground at Harry’s side. At Chub’s question his smiling face instantly took on an expression of thoughtful gravity.