The Colonel himself set the example of laughing at this joke,
and the young man joined him less obstreperously.
The girls turned, and he said, "I don't think I ever saw
this view to better advantage. It s surprising how well
the Memorial Hall and the Cambridge spires work up,
over there. And the sunsets must be magnificent."

Lapham did not wait for them to reply.

"Yes, sir, it's about the sightliest view I know of.
I always did like the water side of Beacon. Long before I
owned property here, or ever expected to, m'wife and I used
to ride down this way, and stop the buggy to get this view
over the water. When people talk to me about the Hill,
I can understand 'em. It's snug, and it's old-fashioned,
and it's where they've always lived. But when they talk
about Commonwealth Avenue, I don't know what they mean.
It don't hold a candle to the water side of Beacon.
You've got just as much wind over there, and you've got just
as much dust, and all the view you've got is the view across
the street. No, sir! when you come to the Back Bay at all,
give me the water side of Beacon."

"Oh, I think you're quite right," said the young man.
"The view here is everything."

Irene looked "I wonder what papa is going to say next!"
at her sister, when their mother's voice was heard overhead,
approaching the opening in the floor where the stairs were