Miss Baker flushed ever so slightly, but
Maria Macapa passed suddenly between them, carrying a half empty beer
bottle. The two old people fell back from one another, Miss Baker
resuming her seat.
"Here's a place for you over here, Mr. Grannis," cried Marcus,
making room for him at his side. Old Grannis slipped into the chair,
withdrawing at once from the company's notice. He stared fixedly at
his plate and did not speak again. Old Miss Baker began to talk volubly
across the table to Mrs. Sieppe about hot-house flowers and medicated
flannels.
It was in the midst of this little impromptu supper that the engagement
of Trina and the dentist was announced. In a pause in the chatter of
conversation Mrs. Sieppe leaned forward and, speaking to the agent,
said:
"Vell, you know also my daughter Trina get married bretty soon. She and
der dentist, Doktor McTeague, eh, yes?"
There was a general exclamation.
"I thought so all along," cried Miss Baker, excitedly. "The first time I
saw them together I said, 'What a pair!'"
"Delightful!" exclaimed the agent, "to be married and win a snug little
fortune at the same time."
"So--So," murmured Old Grannis, nodding at his plate.
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