He even turned and walked back with some vaguely aggressive instinct, but the young man had disappeared.

With this incident still in his mind he came upon Uncle Ben and Hiram McKinstry standing among the spectators in the doorway.

Why might not Uncle Ben be jealous too?
and if his single waltz had really appeared so compromising why should not Cressy's father object?
But both men--albeit, McKinstry usually exhibited a vague unreasoning contempt for Uncle Ben--were unanimous in their congratulations and outspoken admiration.
"When I see'd you sail in, Mr.Ford," said Uncle Ben, with abstract reflectiveness, "I sez to the fellers, 'lie low, boys, and you'll see style.' And when you put on them first steps, I sez, 'that's French--the latest high-toned French style--outer the best masters, and--and outer the best books.

For why ?' sez I.'It's the same long, sliding stroke you see in his copies.

There's that long up sweep, and that easy curve to the right with no hitch.