"Be serious, Tom. There is only one her, and you know the one I mean. You said I would see them in St. Louis. Are they here?"
"Oh, that's it!" cried Tommy petulantly, and a shade of disappointment crossed his bright face. "You men are such fools! You never see a pretty face but you must fall in love with it," and then the boy stopped, and stammered, and blushed, as though in some way he had committed himself.
But Ben was absorbed in his own thoughts and did not notice his companion's confusion.
"Never mind my failings, Tom. Perhaps you will have the same when you get to be a man."
"Mebbe," replied Tommy sententiously.
"Tell me then, is the young lady and her companions here?"
Tommy's looks and manner suddenly underwent a startling change. The light-hearted cheerful-faced boy was suddenly transformed into a grave, thoughtful person, and on his countenance was a look of anxiety and even a shadow of hatred, giving his face an expression that startled Ben. After a moment's silence, he replied, with his eyes on the ground:
"Yes, they are here. She is here. You wish to see her?"
"I do, I do," exclaimed Cleveland.
"And for what earthly good or purpose?" petulantly asked Tom.