She extolled Sing-Lo's department, and
Sing-Lo, who delighted in entertainments, was one broad smile. She had a
word of encouragement for his less smiling helper, whom she informally
christened Sing-Hi; and she chatted endlessly with Mrs. Brackett--perhaps
even helped tire her out. Yes, George Pearson was to be urged forward for
the rescue of Bertram Cope.
Pearson spoke up loud and clear among the males. He was a business-man
among business-men, and during the very few moments formally allowed for
the cigars he made himself, as he felt, tell. And after the Bracketts left
--at nine twenty-five--he was easily content to stay on for three-quarters
of an hour longer.
At nine-forty Pearson was saying, amidst the cigarette-smoke of the den:
"Does she expect to teach the violin all her life?"
He was both ironical and impatient. Clearly a charming, delicate creature
like Amy Leffingwell might better decorate the domestic scene of some
gentleman who enjoyed position and prosperity.
"I hope not, indeed," said Hortense, in a deep contralto.
Pearson cast on Hortense a look which rewarded such discernment.
Pages:
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262