CHAPTER XV.
THE AMERICAN BARON.
At any other time Mrs.Willoughby would perhaps have manoeuvred Minnie out of the room; but on the present occasion the advent of the Italian was an inexpressible relief.

Mrs.Willoughby was not prepared for a scene like this.

The manners, the language, and the acts of Rufus K.
Gunn had filled her with simple horror.

She was actually bewildered, and her presence of mind was utterly gone.

As for Minnie, she was quite helpless, and sat, looking frightened.