Next his shoes had engaged his
attention. They might have well discouraged a less resolute and
resourceful character, but with the contents of his ink-well he
artfully colored his white yarn socks where they showed though
the rifts in the leather. This the judge did gaily, now humming
a snatch of song, now listening civilly to Mahaffy, now replying
with undisturbed cheerfulness. Last of all he clapped his dingy
beaver on his head, giving it an indescribably jaunty slant, and
stepped to the door.
"Well, wish me luck, Solomon, I'm off--come, Hannibal!" he said.
At heart he cherished small hope of seeing Betty, advantageous as
he felt an interview might prove. However, on reaching Belle
Plain he and Hannibal were shown into the cool parlor by little
Steve. It was more years than the judge cared to remember since
he had put his foot inside such a house, but with true grandeur
of soul he rose to the occasion; a sublimated dignity shone from
every battered feature, while he fixed little Steve with so
fierce a glance that the grin froze on his lips.
"You are to say that judge Slocum Price presents his compliments
and condolences to Miss Malroy--have you got that straight, you
pinch of soot?" he concluded affably. Little Steve, impressed
alike by the judge's air of condescension and his easy flow of
words, signified that he had. "You may also say that judge
Price's ward, young Master Hazard, presents his compliments and
condolences--" What more the judge might have said was
interrupted by the entrance of Betty, herself.
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