His manner was so natural, so free from
restraint and pose, that even Fanny, timid and nervous as she was,
felt reassured.
But while he was affable with all, he had eyes only for Virginia. The
others he would willingly have dispensed with, especially the shipping
clerk, whom he had sized up with one quick glance. He winced as he
took note of the man's cheap, ready-made clothes and boorish manners.
Decidedly he was quite impossible, but for the pleasure of a few
moment's _tete-a-tete_ with Virginia, he was ready to make any
sacrifice--even to meet on equal social terms a Mr. Gillie.
"Are you quite sure," he went on apologetically, "that I am forgiven
for keeping you waiting? Believe me, it was absolutely unavoidable or
it wouldn't have happened."
"Oh, yes," rejoined Virginia quickly, "we're quite sure of that."
The host turned to the Japanese butler, who was busy at the table,
placing the empty cocktail glasses on the tray.
"Did you explain thoroughly, Oku?" he asked.
The man looked up.
"Yes, sir. I tell you have big meeting and say 'very much excuse,
please.'"
"That was right," rejoined his master, with a laugh. "Now get me the
menu."
Oku picked up the tray and made for the door.
"Yes--excuse, please. Excuse."
When his butler had disappeared, Stafford turned to his guests with a
smile:
"Queer little chap, isn't he? He is very devoted, and I find him very
useful. You see, being a bachelor, I don't keep house, but if I have a
little party like this, I generally leave the selection of the dinner
to Oku and have it served in there--" He pointed to the dining-room,
the folding doors of which the butler had closed.
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