Meyers had been asked, but had declined, being deeply engrossed
in an experiment of raising bread from hops.
Well, they could do without the husband; but a woman--why they
had not seen one all winter, and the presence of this one
promised a new era in their lives.
They were college men and gentlemen, these three young fellows,
yearning for the flesh-pots they had been so long denied.
Probably Grace Bentham suffered from a similar hunger; at least,
it meant much to her, the first bright hour in many weeks of
darkness.
But that wonderful first course, which claimed the versatile Lake
for its parent, had no sooner been served than there came a loud
knock at the door.
'Oh! Ah! Won't you come in, Mr. Bentham?' said Parker, who had
stepped to see who the newcomer might be.
'Is my wife here?' gruffly responded that worthy.
'Why, yes. We left word with Mr. Meyers.' Parker was exerting his
most dulcet tones, inwardly wondering what the deuce it all
meant. 'Won't you come in? Expecting you at any moment, we
reserved a place. And just in time for the first course, too.'
'Come in, Edwin, dear,' chirped Grace Bentham from her seat at
the table.
Parker naturally stood aside.
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