Page:A strange, sad comedy (IA strangesadcomedy00seawiala).pdf/99

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A STRANGE, SAD COMEDY
87

placed by a correct traveling-cap; his dog-skin gloves fitted without a wrinkle. He took in at once the sensation Sir Archy's unexpected appearance would create in the feminine contingent of the party, and he wanted to be on hand to enjoy it.

"We are very pleased to have your company, Sir Archy," he said, blandly, "and still more so if you intend patronizing the same hotel that we shall in New York."

"Thank you," answered Sir Archy, heartily. "I had intended to do so, having been recommended by Colonel Corbin."

Just then the Colonel appeared.

"Why, my dear fellow," he cried, in his rich, cordial voice. "This is truly gratifying. I thought when I bade you farewell this morning it was for a considerable period, until you paid us that promised visit at Corbin Hall," for the Colonel had become completely reconciled to Sir Archy, and had generously overlooked his experiences during the war.

"Yes," said Sir Archy, cheerfully, "I was afraid I 'd be a horrid bore, following you all up this way, but I felt so dismal after I had told you good-by—swore so hard at Tompkins, and made a brute of myself generally—