"They are all out,--except herself." As he certainly did not
wish to see "herself," he greeted the old woman and left his card.
"You live in these parts, sir?" asked the Senator.
"In the town yonder."
"Because Mr. Morton's housekeeper seems to know you."
"She knows me very well as I was brought up in this house. Good
morning to you."
"Good afternoon to you, sir. Perhaps you can tell me who lives in
that country residence,--what you call a farm-house,--on the other
side of the road." Reginald said that he presumed the gentleman was
alluding to Mr. Twentyman's house.
"Ah, yes,--I dare say. That was the name I heard up there. You are
not Mr. Twentyman, sir?"
"My name is Morton"
"Morton is it;--perhaps my friend's;--ah--ah,--yes." He didn't like
to say uncle because Reginald didn't look old enough, and he knew
he ought not to say brother, because the elder brother in England
would certainly have had the property.
"I am Mr. John Morton's cousin."
"Oh;--Mr. Morton's cousin. I asked whether you were the owner of
that farm-house because I intruded just now by passing through the
yards, and I would have apologized. Good afternoon to you, sir."
Then Reginald having thus done his duty returned home.
Mary Masters when she was alone was again very angry with herself.
She knew thoroughly how perverse she had been when she declared
that Larry Twentyman was a fit companion for herself, and that she
had said it on purpose to punish the man who was talking to her.
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