"I thought it would strike you as a pretty picture, as it did me,"
remarked Van Berg, quietly; "and I also thought that after seeing
it you would not want any more of Sibley's brandy. It would choke
me."
"You are right, Van. I fear I've taken too much of it already.
I'm glad you showed me this quiet picture--it makes me wish I were
a better man."
"I like that, Ik; I always knew you had plenty of good metal in you.
Now I don't want to be officious, but I would not let a cousin of
mine dance with Sibley any longer if I could prevent it without
attracting attention. However generous he may have been with his
brandy, he has had more than his share himself."
"Thank you, Van; I understand you. By Jove, I'll try the same
tactics with her that you have with me. I'll bring her here and
show her a scene that has been to me like a quieting and restraining
hand."
A few moments later the waltz ceased, and Miss Mayhew came out on
the cool, dusky piazza, leaning on Sibley's arm. Stanton joined
her and said:
"Ida, come with me; I wish to speak with you a moment. Mr. Sibley,
please excuse us."
"Indeed, Mr. Stanton," said Sibley in tones of maudlin sentiment,
"you are cruel to deprive me of your cousin's society even for a
moment.
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