Comethup ran out and paid the driver, and ran back again. When his cap was in his hand and she had got him again by the shoulder she stopped, as they were nearing the door, hesitated a moment, and then spoke.
Comethup laughed, and assured her that he was not.
"That's well; you've no reason to be, as you shall find. Now go on, and be careful how you go; remember you are my eyes for the future."
Comethup carefully conducted his aunt to the inn and saw her comfortably established there. She appeared to have the whole establishment, from the landlord to the boots, at her beck and call within two minutes after passing the portals; was ordering dishes to her liking and sharply questioning those in attendance upon her, and flinging out an occasional biting word of sarcasm, that held them breathless and awed. At first she insisted that Comethup should stay and lunch with her; but he was equally firm in refusing. He remembered that the captain had enlarged his own simple meal for that day on Comethup's account. He was divided, as usual, between the picture of this new friend, blind and helpless in a strange place, and the other picture of the captain, who had been so curtly dismissed but a few hours since, awaiting dinner for him.
To his relief, Miss Carlaw appeared to understand the situation at once. "That's right; say what you mean, and stick to it. I suppose you've got another appointment--some one else has asked you to dinner, eh?"
"Oh, yes, I remember. You needn't mind me; I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself, and if they don't do what I want here, I'll know the reason why, by the Lord I will! Come back here when you leave the captain. Off with you."
Comethup was late, and, although he ran as hard as he could, the captain had already sat down to his meal when he arrived. His face lit up when he saw the boy, although, quite mechanically, and for the due preservation of discipline, he glanced at his watch.
"I'm very sorry, sir," said Comethup, breathlessly, as he saluted just within the doorway; "but my aunt wished me to show her to the inn, and I've been detained. I'm very sorry."
"Never mind," said the captain. "Come in and have some dinner.--Homer, another plate, please."