"I am much indebted to you, Mr. Barker," said Mrs. Stockton, cordially¹ extending her hand, "for your kindness to my daughter."

 

"Oh, it's nothing," said Sam, embarrassed. "I didn't do anything."

 

"I met him on the boat, mamma, and he saw me on the train, and when there was nobody to meet me he came home with me in the hack²."

 

"Your father was at the depot³ on the arrival of the first train," said Mrs. Stockton. "As you did not come then, he concluded you did not start yesterday afternoon. He was surprised that you did not telegraph him."

 

"I did come, mamma; but, would you believe it, I slept so sound I didn't hear the gong, nor Sam either. Did you, Sam?"

 

"We both slept pretty sound," said Sam.

 

"Well, Julia, I am glad you got through without accident. Have you had any breakfast?"

 

"Not a mouthful, mamma. I'm as hungry as a bear."

 

"I will have some sent up at once. Mr. Barker, I hope you will join my daughter at breakfast."

 

"Thank you," said Sam, not without satisfaction, for he certainly did feel frightfully hungry.

 

A substantial⁴ breakfast was brought up, and, unromantic as it may seem, both Sam and Julia made great havoc⁵ among the eatables.

 

"I don't think I ever felt so hungry in the whole course of my life," said Julia. "Did you, Sam?"

 

"I never did, either," said Sam, with his mouth full.

 

"My dear," said Mrs. Stockton, "Mr. Barker will think you very familiar. It is not the custom to use a gentleman's first name on such short acquaintance."

 

"I feel as if I had known Sam ever so long. He asked me to call him by his first name."

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