"In my own home." Surely, at least, it was HER OWN HOME, and as he was only the business agent of her adopted mother, he had no right to dictate to her under what circumstances she should return to it, or whom she should introduce there.

In her independence and caprice Susy might easily have gone elsewhere with this astounding relative, and would Mrs.Peyton like it better?
Clinging to this idea, his instinct of hospitality asserted itself.

He welcomed Mrs.
McClosky with nervous effusion:-- "I am only Mrs.Peyton's major domo here, but any guest of her DAUGHTER'S is welcome." "Yes," said Mrs.McClosky, with ostentatious archness, "I reckon Susy and I understand your position here, and you've got a good berth of it.
But we won't trouble you much on Mrs.Peyton's account, will we, Susy?
And now she and me will just take a look around the shanty,--it is real old Spanish anteek, ain't it ?--and sorter take stock of it, and you young folks will have to tear yourselves apart for a while, and play propriety before me.

You've got to be on your good behavior while I'm here, I can tell you! I'm a heavy old 'doo-anna.' Ain't I, Susy?
School-ma'ms and mother superiors ain't in the game with ME for discipline." She threw her arms around the young girl's waist and drew her towards her affectionately, an action that slightly precipitated some powder upon the black dress of her niece.

Susy glanced mischievously at Clarence, but withdrew her eyes presently to let them rest with unmistakable appreciation and admiration on her relative.