"Good morning, Mr. Schmidt," spoke a voice, and, still bewildered, he
whirled, hat in hand, to confront Mrs. Gaston. "Did I startle you?"
He bowed stiffly over the hand she held out for him to clasp, and
murmured something about being proof against any surprise. The colour
was slowly returning to his face, and his smile was as engaging as
ever despite the bitterness that filled his soul. Here was a pretty
trick to play on a fellow! Here was a slap in the face!
"Isn't it a glorious morning? And how wonderful she is in this
gorgeous sunlight," went on Mrs. Gaston, in what may be described as
a hurried, nervous manner.
"I had the briefest glimpse of her," mumbled Robin. "When did she
come?"
"Centuries and centuries ago, Mr. Schmidt," said she, with a smile.
"I was speaking of the Jungfrau."
"Oh!" he exclaimed, flushing. "I thought you--er--yes, of course!
Really quite wonderful. I have heard it said that she never removes
her night-cap, but always greets the dawn in spotless--ahem! Of
course you understand that I am speaking of the Jungfrau," he
floundered.
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