Well, 'tain't a life I'd want a boy of mine
to take up, nowadays. But it did have some advantages. I don't know
anything better than a v'yage afore the mast to learn a young feller
what's healthy for him to unlearn. Good day, ma'am. Good day, Mr. Dunn.
I mustn't keep the Commodore waitin' here with that valise. I'll be
out pretty soon, Caroline; just as soon as I've got the upper layer
of railroad dust off my face and hands. You'll be surprised to see how
light-complected I really am when that's over. All right! Heave ahead,
Commodore!"
He departed, preceded by Edwards and the suit-case. Stephen Warren threw
himself violently into a chair by the window. Young Dunn laughed aloud.
His mother flashed an indignant glance at him, and then hurried to
Caroline.
"You poor dear!" she exclaimed, putting an arm about the girl's
shoulder. "Don't mind us, please don't! Malcolm and I understand. That
is, we know how you feel and--"
"Oh, but you DON'T know, Mrs. Dunn," cried Caroline, almost in tears.
"You don't understand! It's so much worse than you think. I--I--Oh, why
did father do it? How could he be so inconsiderate?"
"There! there!" purred the friend of the family. "You mustn't, you know.
You really mustn't. Who is this man? This uncle? Where does he come
from? Why does he force himself upon you in this way? I didn't know your
poor father had a brother.
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