Hastings; he's no sort of a
player, but I'm an expert. May I hope for a game with you some
time?"
"We'll see about it, young sir," said Susan, with cold dignity,
and then turned her attention to her plate.
In response to a desperate appeal from Patty, Jack stopped
teasing, and made general conversation, which interested the young
people, to the exclusion of Susan.
Then, supper over, he escorted the chaperon from the table,
talking to her in low tones.
"I hope I didn't bother you," he said. "You see, I know all about
it, and I think it's fine of you to help the girls out in this
way."
"You helped me far more than you bothered me, sir," Susan replied
with a grateful glance. "Will it soon be over now, sir?"
"Well, they'll have a few more dances, and probably they'll sing a
little. They'll go home before midnight. But, I say, Mrs.
Hastings, I won't let 'em trouble you. You sit in this cosy
corner, and if you'll take my advice, you'll nod a bit now and
then,--but don't go really to sleep. Then they'll let you alone."
Susan followed this good counsel, and holding her knitting
carelessly in her lap, she sat quietly, now and then nodding, and
opening her eyes with a slight start.
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