They had crossed the parterre by this time, and were almost at the
window.
It was Bobus who took the initiative, bowing formally as he spoke, in
German—-
"Good morning, Herr Professor. You seem to have a turn for entering
houses by irregular methods."
The new-comer bowed with suavity, saying, in excellent English—-
"It is to your sister that in both senses I owe my entrance, and to
the lady, your mother, that I owe my apology."
And before Caroline well knew what was going on, he had one knee to
the ground, and was kissing her hand.
"The tableau is incomplete, Janet," said Bobus, whom Caroline
heartily wished away. "You ought to be on your knees beside him."
"I have settled it with my mother already," said Janet.
Both Caroline and her eldest son were relieved by the first glance at
the man. He was small, and had much more of the Greek than of the
German in his aspect, with neat little features, keen dark eyes, and
no vulgarity in tone or appearance. His hands were delicate; there
was nothing of the "greasy foreigner" about him, but rather an air of
finesse, especially in his exquisitely trimmed little moustache and
pointed beard, and his voice and language were persuasive and fluent.
It might have been worse, was the prominent feeling, as she hastily
said—-
"Stand up, Mr.
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