"And I forgave him," supplemented Mrs. Fernmore, smilingly. "Boys will be boys."
"Whew!" whistled Billy, in conclusion. "It was no end of a lark! I would not have missed it for the world; but the old chaps will never, never forgive me."
As the gentleman finished, Bansemer was looking at Droom with amusement. The old clerk was shaking his head in a manner that signified disapproval.
"How's that for doings in swagger society, eh, Droom? If anyone but Billy Fernmore had done that, he would have been ostracised forever. Nothing like millions—"
"I don't believe true aristocrats would do that," interrupted Droom, half angrily.
"These are the aristocrats—money aristocrats; the others have lost the name—forgotten. Come, let's go over yonder—we can talk there."
Bansemer called for the bill and settled it; then slowly rising, ostentatiously waved his adieus to the alcove and deserted the scene for Chapin & Gore's Droom meekly followed him employer.
For some time, neither spoke. In their stall, each was busy with his own thoughts and speculations.
"I think I've made a mess of it with Mr. Cable," began Banseemer. "She—-"
"I wouldn't mention names," cautioned Droom, with a look at the top of the partition.