Mr. Wilks changed colour too, and in an
awkward fashion rose to receive Miss Nugent.
"Late as usual, Sam," said the girl, sinking into a chair. Then she
caught sight of Hardy, who was standing by the door.
[Illustration: "She caught sight of Hardy."]
"It's a long time since you and I met, Miss Nugent," he said, bowing.
"Mr. Hardy?" said the girl, doubtfully.
"Yes, miss," interposed Mr. Wilks, anxious to explain his position. "He
called in to see me; quite a surprise to me it was. I 'ardly knowed
him."
"The last time we three met," said Hardy, who to his host's discomfort
had resumed his chair, "Wilks was thrashing me and you were urging him
on."
Kate Nugent eyed him carefully. It was preposterous that this young man
should take advantage of a boy and girl acquaintance of eleven years
before--and such an acquaintance!--in this manner. Her eyes expressed a
little surprise, not unmixed with hauteur, but Hardy was too pleased to
have them turned in his direction at all to quarrel with their
expression.
"You were a bit of a trial in them days," said Mr. Wilks, shaking his
head. "If I live to be ninety I shall never forget seeing Miss Kate
capsized the way she was. The way she----"
"How is your cold?" inquired Miss Nugent, hastily.
"Better, miss, thankee," said Mr.
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