"Ricky interested in business?" Thatcher laughed. "He would run a mile to avoid it! No, he's just a messenger this morning; but Ricky is all right in his way. He's the society member of his family. He isn't a heavy-weight, but when it comes to dancing or the latest word in men's attire, you can't overlook Ricky."
Cosden's departure left Huntington and Miss Stevens together on the piazza of the hotel. The bustle attendant upon the sailing had quieted down but Huntington had not recovered from the unusually violent action of the past few moments.
"I was going over to have another visit with Hamlen," he remarked, "but the morning is gone."
"It isn't eleven o'clock yet," Miss Stevens commented.
"By Jove! is that all? Well, it's too late now, but I'll go this afternoon.—It seems as if ages had passed since breakfast! Do you suppose they'll keep that boy on board once they get him there?"
"Of course," she laughed. "Why worry about him?"
"I'm not worrying," Huntington protested. "I never worry,—I don't believe in it. Worry is for parents and married people generally."
"What a cynic you are on the subject of marriage," Edith remarked; "you never pass an opportunity to knock it, do you?"
"Am I so heartless as all that?" Huntington inquired by way of answer. "But why can't you and I, who may class ourselves among those fortunate ones who have escaped the snares, be honest with each other and enjoy watching the thraldom of others who have shown themselves less discreet?"