No--I don't want your arm, sir--get out of my way." If the courtiers heard--and half of them did--they neither by word or expression conveyed that fact to Harry or St.George.It was not intended for their ears, and, therefore, was not their property.

With still more profound salutations from everybody, the three bareheaded men escorted them to the next stoop, the fourth going ahead to see that the door was properly opened, and so the ladies passed on, up and inside the house.

This over, the group resumed its normal condition on the sidewalk, the men regaining their seats and relighting their cigars (no gentleman ever held one in evidence when ladies were present)--fresh orders being given to the servants for the several interrupted mixtures with which the coterie were wont to regale themselves.
Harry, who had stood with shoulders braced against a great tree on the sidewalk, had heard every word of the old maid's outburst, and an unrestrained burst of joy had surged up in his heart.

His father was coming round! Yes--the tide was turning--it would not be long before Kate would be in his arms!.