The lady heard, understood. The smile, that was half-disdain, deepened.
She bowed slightly, but graciously. The curtain fell.

"Come, boy," said Leighton, "we can't stand that. Let's go find a
tailor."

"Dad," said Lewis, "do you know her? She bowed."

"She did, God bless her!" said Leighton. "No, I don't know her; but
let's think kindly of her, for she has added a charming memory to life."




CHAPTER XV


Four days later Lewis sat beside his bed, piled high with all the
paraphernalia that go to make up a gentleman's wardrobe and toilet. He
was very nervous--so nervous that he had passed an hour striding from
one side of the small bedroom to the other, making up his mind to try to
carry out his father's instructions, which were simply to go to his room
and dress. Lewis had never in his life put on a collar or knotted a tie.

He answered a knock on the door with a cry of dismay. Leighton strode
into the room.

"Well, what's the matter?"