"Why!" in amazed
recognition. "It is Aunt Caroline!"
"It is." Aunt Caroline corroborated grimly.
"This is a surprise," exclaimed the professor. As we have noted
before, he liked to be truthful when possible. "How'd'do, Aunt!
However did you get here?"
"How I came," replied Aunt Caroline, "is not material. The fact that
I am here is sufficient."
"Quite," said Benis. "But," he added in a puzzled tone, "you are not
alone. Surely, my dear Aunt, I
"You see Dr. Rogers who has kindly accompanied me."
"John Rogers here? With you?" In rising amazement.
"It is a detail." Aunt Caroline's voice was somewhat tart. "I could
scarcely travel unaccompanied."
"Surely not. But really--was there no lady friend--"
"Don't be absurd, Benis!" But she was obscurely conscious of a
check. Against the disturbed surprise of her nephew's attitude her
sharpened weapons had already turned an edge. Only one person can
talk at a time, and, to her intense indignation, she found herself
displaced as the attacking party. Also the behavior of her auxiliary
force was distinctly apologetic.
"Hello, Benis!" said Rogers, coming up late and reluctant. "Sorry to
have dropped in on you like this. But your Aunt thought--"
"Don't say a word, my dear fellow! No apology is necessary. I am
quite sure she did. But it might be a good idea for you to do a
little thinking yourself occasionally. Aunt is so rash. How were you
to know that you would find us at home? Rather a risk, what?
Luckily, Aunt," turning to that speechless relative with
reassurance, "it is quite all right.
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