"Yes, sir;" replied Charlie, laughing. "I surprised my mother and sister by a sight of them, some ten days since; it required all their good-nature, I believe, to excuse them."
"I dare say they would have been glad to see you, if you had come back looking like a Turk," said Elinor.
"I am determined not to shave for some months, out of principle; just to show my friends that I am the same Charlie Hubbard with moustaches that I was three years ago without them."
"I suppose you consider it part of your profession to look as picturesque as our stiff-cut broadcloth will permit," said Mr. Wyllys.
"If you really suspect me of dandyism, sir," said Charlie, "I shall have to reform at once."
"I am afraid, Mr. Hubbard, that you have forgotten me," observed Mr. Ellsworth; "though I passed a very pleasant morning at your rooms in New York, some years since."
Charlie remembered him, however; and also made his bow to Mrs.
Creighton and Mr. Stryker.
"And how did you leave the Mediterranean, sir?" asked Mr.
Stryker, in a dry tone. "Was the sea in good looks?"
"As blue as ever. I am only afraid my friends in this country will not believe the colour I have given it in my sketches."
"We are bound to believe all your representations of water," remarked Mr. Wyllys.