She
is my friend, and is soon to be my guest, but she has got upon my
nerves to-day."
Thus bidden, I could do no less than walk away down the hall to where
the Boy stood with his book, leaning against the baluster.
"I've done all I could about the bag," I said. "The people in the
post-office seemed hopeful that the big reward would do the trick."
"Thank you. You are very good," he returned. Something in his tone
made me look at him closely. There was a change in him, though for my
life I could not have told what it was or why it had come; there was
ice in his voice, though I had spent nearly two dusty, unwashed hours
in his service, while he refreshed himself at leisure.
"I hope it will be all right," I went on, rather heavily. "Look here,
that pretty little fairy would like to know you. She's the Contessa di
Ravello. Come along and be introduced."
The Boy flung up his head, his blue eyes flashing. "Why am I to be
dragged at her chariot wheels?" he demanded.
"Oh, rot, my child. Don't put on airs. Men twice your age would snatch
at such a chance."
"I can't tell what I may be capable of when I'm twice my age. It's
difficult enough to know myself now. But I know----"
"Come on, do, like the dear Little Old Pal you really are," I cut in.
"You don't want to put me in a false position, do you? Besides, I'd
like particularly to get your opinion on the Contessa.
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