That eases my conscience consider'ble."
Caroline seemed to be the only one who appreciated the sarcasm in this
observation. She frowned slightly. Mrs. Corcoran Dunn tolerantly smiled,
and her son laughed aloud.
"Say, Admiral," he commented, "when it comes to philosophy you go some
yourself, don't you?"
"Um-hm. I can be as philosophical about other folk's troubles as anybody
I ever see." Then, with an involuntary chuckle of admiration at the
young gentleman's coolness, he added, "That is, anybody I ever see afore
I come to New York."
Malcolm opened his mouth to reply, but closed it again. The captain,
noticing his change of purpose and following the direction of his look,
saw Mrs. Dunn shake her head in sharp disapproval. He ate the remainder
of his salad in silence, but he thought a good deal.
"And now," said Mrs. Dunn, rising and leading the way to the
drawing-room, "we must all go for a motor ride. Everyone rides on Sunday
afternoon," she explained, turning to her male guest.
The distressed look returned to Captain Elisha's face. His niece saw it,
understood, and came to his rescue.
"I think Captain Warren prefers to be excused," she said, smiling. "He
has a prejudice against automobiles."
"No!" drawled Malcolm, the irrepressible.
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