It was at this unpropitious moment that Colonel Carvel walked into the store, and his daughter flew into his arms.
"Well, well," he said, kissing her, "thought you'd surprise me, eh,
Jinny?"
"Oh, Pa," she cried, looking reproachfully up at his Face. "You knew —how mean of you!"
"I've been down on the Louisiana, where some inconsiderate man told me, or I should not have seen you today. I was off to Alton. But what are these goings-on?" said the Colonel, staring at young Mr. Colfax, rigid as one of his own gamecocks. He was standing defiantly over the stooping figure of the assistant manager.
"Oh," said Virginia, indifferently, "it's only Clarence. He's so tiresome. He's always wanting to fight with somebody."
"What's the matter, Clarence?" asked the Colonel, with the mild unconcern which deceived so many of the undiscerning.
"This person, sir, refused to do a favor for your daughter. She told him, and I told him, to notify Mr. Hood that Miss Carvel was here, and he refused."
Mr. Hopper continued his occupation, which was absorbing. But he was listening.
Colonel Carvel pulled his goatee, and smiled.
"Clarence," said he, "I reckon I can run this establishment without any help from you and Jinny. I've been at it now for a good many years."