Mrs. Formica came in a moment after with a slight air of amazement, which increased to astonishment when she saw her nephew. She gave a little yelp as he embraced her, and said, “Where have you been?”
“To Cape Cod, and to Europe. I have been shipwrecked, aunt—that is, I lost my mackerel venture, and have been taken care of by my noble friend, Dr. Black.”
Aunt Formica grew pale at the word “shipwrecked,” and turned to Dr. Black. Something in his face made her extend her hand and give him a warm welcome.
“Black may stay here while he is in port, mayn’t he? He will amuse you with yarns about me.”
“Of course,” she replied. “Now tell me the whole story.”
Between Osgood and the Doctor it was related.
“Why did you ever go from me?” she asked, wiping away a real tear.
“I believe, aunt, I shall keep up the business of going—it suits me. I can never live through your conventional cramps.”
She did not think it prudent to combat him just then; but made a mental memorandum that something must be done that would change his foolish resolution. A plan developed at dinner that evening.
“I had a note yesterday from Mrs. Senator Conch,” said Mrs. Formica. “She will be in Saratoga this week, and begs me to meet her there. Formica and I have been talking it over, Osgood, and we think that it will be pleasant for Dr. Black and you to go up for a week. You will go, Doctor?”