He found me here,
biding from the Vigilantes, who were chasing me on the hill. I got
in at that door, which happened to be unlocked. He let me stay
because he was a gentleman--and--I wasn't. I beg your pardon,
madam, for having interrupted him before you; but it was a little
rough to have him lie on MY account when he wasn't the kind of man
to lie on his OWN. You'll forgive him--won't you, please?--and, as
I'm taking myself off now, perhaps you'll overlook MY intrusion
too."
It was impossible to convey the lazy frankness of this speech, the
charming smile with which it was accompanied, or the easy yet
deferential manner with which, taking up his hat, he bowed to Mrs.
Brooks as he advanced toward the door.
"But," said Mrs. Brooks, hurriedly glancing from Herbert to the
stranger, "it must be the Vigilantes who are now hanging about the
street. Ellen saw them from her window, and thought they were YOUR
friends, Mr. Bly. This gentleman--your friend"--she had become a
little confused in her novel excitement--"really ought not to go
out now. It would be madness."
"If you wouldn't mind his remaining a little longer, it certainly
would be safer," said Herbert, with wondering gratitude.
"I certainly shouldn't consent to his leaving my house now," said
Mrs. Brooks with dignity; "and if you wouldn't mind calling Cherry
here, Mr. Bly--she's in the dining-room--and then showing yourself
for a moment in the street and finding out what they wanted, it
would be the best thing to do.
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