At this moment the old lady entered the room. Buttons closed the door, and we were left alone facing each other,--for I had got up when she came in,--and I must say the unknown seemed as much surprised as I was. Then all at once she began to walk round and round me; and as I didn't want her to get behind me, I kept turning too,--just as if I'd been on a pivot; I believe I was fascinated by those big eyes glaring at me through the thick black veil.
"Betty! 'by all that's abominable!'" suddenly exclaimed my double; and _then_ I knew who it was.
"_Phil!_ you _mean_ thing!" I cried, intensely relieved; and darting forward I caught hold of his bonnet and veil.
"Hands off!" he called out, wriggling away; "an ye love me, spare me 'bunnit.'" Then, as he got to a safe distance, and threw back his veil: "Look here, old lady, if you lay violent hands on me again, I'll yell for help, and bring the house about your ears. _Then_ you'll rue it."
This provoked me. "You're the one will rue it," I said. "You've just spoilt the whole thing by spying on me and following me here--"
"Well, I like that!" Phil interrupted. "It seems to me the shoe's on the other foot. What are _you_ doing here, in that outrageous costume, and in a stranger's house? Whew! wouldn't there be a small circus if the _pater_ should see you! I'd feel sorry for you, I tell you. And what excuse do you propose to offer Mr. Erveng when he makes his appearance here, as he will in a few minutes?" Sidling up to me, he nudged my elbow, and added persuasively: "'There _is_ a time for _dis_-appearing.' Say, Betty, my infant, one of us has _got_ to go, so I'd advise you to fly at once. Buttons is out of the way, and in an excess of brotherly affection I'll escort you to the door myself. Come--fly!" And he nudged me again.
"No," I said obstinately, "I won't go; I was here first. I'm here, and here I'll remain."
"Oh, very well," said Phil, in a resigned sort of tone, seating himself in a most unladylike attitude on a three-cornered chair. "Then come sit on the edge of my chair, you little fairy, and we'll pose for the Siamese twins."
[Illustration: "'COME SIT ON THE EDGE OF MY CHAIR, YOU LITTLE FAIRY.'"]
But I was so disappointed I was afraid I'd cry. I had hoped _so_ much from this interview with Mr. Erveng, and here was Phil spoiling everything by his silliness. "I think you are simply _horrid_," I broke out, very crossly. "I just wish Mr. Erveng would come in and beat you, or turn you out, or _something_."