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"Phoebe Wise, what do you mean!" exclaimed Rebecca. "Why, it would be jest like robbery to take Mr. Milliken's syrup, an' palm it off as Mr. Droop's. I'm surprised at ye!" This attack upon the ethical plane struck Phoebe speechless. She blushed and stammered, but had no reply to make. The seeming defeat really concealed a victory, however, for it instantly converted Copernicus into an ally.
They've got sech tangled-up last names, I declare I can't keep 'em in my head. Mr. Droop's the same rank I am," she concluded, addressing the girls. Droop fidgeted and bowed six awkward bows with eyes riveted to the ground. He had never been a ladies' man, and this unexpected presentation was a doubly trying ordeal.
This train of reasoning seemed satisfactory, and Phoebe turned to resume her book. Copernicus intercepted her as she passed the table. "What d'ye think o' this little phonograph, Cousin Phoebe?" he said. One of Droop's boxes stood open and beside it Phoebe saw a phonograph with the usual spring motor and brass megaphone.
She could only see his hat and his borrowed clothes, however, and her curiosity remained unsatisfied. "That looks like Copernicus Droop's wheel," she muttered. "I wonder ef somebody's ben an' stole it while he was away. 'Twould serve him right fer givin' me the slip." Then turning to Lady Margaret again, she continued: "Would you mind runnin' down to ask who that man is, Miss Margaret?
"Mos' likely Putnam's wood lot," said Rebecca, with great satisfaction as she finally adjusted her cameo brooch. "Gracious! Won't I be glad to see all the folks again!" She pushed open her door and, followed by Phoebe, entered the main room. Here all was gloom, but they could hear Droop's breathing, and knew that he was still sleeping under the table in the corner. "For the lands sakes!
He thrust the paper under Droop's nose, pointing to an advertisement therein. "Here," he continued, "here have we a picture bearing the legend, 'Baltimore Bicycle Buy No Other' " He paused, but before Copernicus could speak he went on breathlessly: "And look on this, Master Droop see here here!
She dropped into one of the chairs beside the table just as Droop relighted the lamps. With one slender hand resting upon the table, she looked up into Droop's face and went on: "I was havin' a dreadful time, stumbling over stocks an' stones at every step, till suddenly there was quite a light struck my face, and first I knew I was lookin' right into your lighted windows.
Then, starting forward, Bacon poured forth in eager accents a full account of his meeting with Droop in the deserted grove of how they two had conspired to evade the bailiffs, and of his reasons for borrowing Droop's clothing.
"A pox upon thee!" growled the thirsty man. "On thee and thy mistress, too!" Muttering and shaking his head, the ponderous guest stretched forth his legs, closed his eyes, and composed himself for a nap. The drawer tipped a wink to the grinning pot-boy on the cask, and then bustled over to Droop's table, which he proceeded to wipe vigorously with his apron. "Did you call, sir?" he said.
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