" To all of which Elsie devoutly
whispered to herself, "Amen."
But Mrs. Alford now appeared, and after a warm, motherly greeting
to her son, turned in genial courtesy to welcome his friend, as
she supposed.
George was so happy that he wished every one else to be the same.
The comical episode attending Mr. Stanhope's unexpected appearance
just hit his frolicsome mood, and promised to be a source of
endless merriment if he could only keep his classmate over the
coming holiday. Moreover, he long had wished to become better
acquainted with this young man, whose manner at the seminary had
deeply interested him. So he said:
"Mother, this is Mr. Stanhope, a classmate of mine. I wish you
would help me persuade him to stay."
"Why, certainly, I supposed you expected to stay with us, of
course," said Mrs. Alford, heartily.
Mr. Stanhope looked ready to sink through the floor, his face
crimson with vexation.
"I do assure you, madam," he urged, "it is all a mistake. I am not
an invited guest. I was merely calling on a little matter of
business, when--" and there he stopped.
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