during which Zotique sprang to his feet, and going over to where she
was standing, and laughing merrily, held out his hand and said, "Have
you no word of welcome for me, Katie White?"

She put her hand into the outstretched one, and looking up into his
face with her bright blue eyes, told him that she was very much
pleased to see him.

Vital, who had seen her the very moment the door opened, had risen
with alacrity, and in the hope that she would see the vacant seat by
his side, was unconsciously crushing the hapless farmer on his right
into a most uncomfortable position. The hopeful, expectant look on
Vital's face deserved far better recognition than it was awarded.

Despite the fact that there was but little room where Zotique was
sitting, the shameless, prevaricating fellow impressed upon her that
seats in that particular quarter were actually going begging.

For a few moments Katie hesitated as though she hardly knew what to
do. Absent-minded Vital was still standing and looking at her, his
whole heart in his eyes.

"Yes, I will sit next to you; it was very kind of you to take such
interest in getting me a seat."

Poor Vital! As he heard these ominous words, saw her look up and smile
at Zotique, and after great crushing sit down by his side, all the
pleasure of eating left him entirely.

As the good things began to disappear and tongues were loosened,