Henderson daily dispatch., 1936-02-29
CHAPTER 80

IF ALEC BABBAS was surprised
to find the housekeeper at the table
he gave no evidence Of it whatever
other than to acknowledge her pres
snce with slight nod Of his smooth
head when his chair was shown him.
Thora noticed that he did not seat
Wilma, as Gordon had done with the
easy grace that seemed a part of
everything he did.
The meal was eaten in somewhat
strained atmosphere.
Wilma did her best to carry on a
sprightly conversation with the
guest, but most Of his replies were in
monosyllables. Mr.. Marsh may have
approved of the lack of garrulity on
the part of Mr.. Babbas. for he made
several half-hearted attempts to
draw the younger man into talk.
Babbas was civil and deferentiab but
uncommunicative. Thora decided
that he still was under the influence
Of his first meeting with his host
and was biding his time.
He would be more at ease when he
found himself alone with Wilma. 1t
also developed that Sherman Gordon
was expected later, to be introduced
to the guest. Thora wondered what
he would think of Mr.. BabbaS. From
what Mr.. Gordon had said to- her,
she knew that he was expected to
help show the visitor good time.
It would be hard to imagine two
young men more unlike in manner.
Thora was given a vivid reminder
of that few days later.
Sherman made one of his informal
appearances at Fair Acres late in the
afternoon, on his way home from
work" as he told Thora pla;ntively.
Learning that the family and its
guest were absent. he inquired in his
usual blunt fashion where they were.
"They are dining with Mrs. Steele"
Thora told him. '"They left just
few moments ago."
"So?" Sherman helped himself to
a hall chair, stretched his long legs
out comfortably and prepared to talk.
Mrs. Dorothy's great for her chubby
foursomes. She's gone for Ali Babba
in a big way. What do you think of
the little guy?"
1--WE scarcely seen him." Thora
evaded.
"Yeah?" Gordon regarded her
speculatively. Queer sort of
shrimp, altogether different than I
fancied. I'll give him credit for one
thing. He doesn't blow about himself
much. doesn't have a great deal to
say about anything. But. when he
does talk =. he knows what it's all
about Sure of himself. and all that
sort of thing"
els he?" Thora had a feeling that
she should not discuss the matter of
a guest, but she found herself inter-
ested in hearing Mr.. Gordon's opin-
ion. Mr.. Babbas' attitude towards
her had been quite irreproachable
since their first meeting.
Funny thing" Sherman observed
cef1ectively. II couldn't dope his ma
tionality at ALL So I asked Wilma.
She says his family is Scotch, Aber-
deem, believe. He looks the part,
but that name doesn't click with me.
However, the Scotch are a queer
race. i. 1 wouldn't put name like
his past them" He grinned amiably.
What do you Think"
II really don't know"
Hes a good judge Of Scotch"
Gordon admitted. II introduced him
to a quart of the old gentlemap's
private stock the other afternoon and
he upheld the honor of his country
beautifully. I've looked him over
pretty critically for Wilma's
sake +. and I find only one bad
count against him. I'm suspicious
he doesn't like horses"
"As bad as that?" Thora laughed
merrily at Gordon's downcast ex-
preston.
Fact He let on he was quite |
keen for riding at first. Then he
began backing up, when I offered |
him a mount :. didn't have his rid
ing things, and all that. I came over
here just now to put him tc the acid
test. I'm going to set him astride