Page:Sheila and Others (1920).djvu/146

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SHEILA AND OTHERS

stopped to point him out. "Oh, there he is. Ain't he cute, now?" one not infrequently overheard, while the object of their admiration reclining on the top step with the nonchalant air of the possessor, would incline his silky head sidewise the better to listen, and look his inquiring prettiest. He was cordial to all, but reserved his most engaging manners, as well as his personal devotion for his own family, a procedure that might well be recommended for the consideration of some who undoubtedly would rate themselves much above him in the scale of philosophic superiority.

Keddo acquired city sophistication with remarkable ease. He was at home after about the second day, thoroughly entering into the spirit of the kaleidoscopic whirl going on about him. One experience of getting himself lost and found, sufficed to impress upon him the advantages of his own door-step, while his early and sadly misplaced confidence in the friendly disposition of motor-cars resulted in a chastened respect for the Unknown. His adventure with the car necessitated somewhat prolonged retirement to the comforting depths of the old clothes basket devoted to his use, and a tremulous appeal for the family