But on
his making a movement in that direction, Squire Edwards, who had no
notion of parting with the protection of his presence just at present,
insisted that he should first go into the parlor, and Mrs. Edwards
dutifully and crushingly seconding the invitation, he found himself
without choice. The education of the camp, while it may adapt a man to
command other men, does not necessarily fit him to shine in the salon.
Perez stepped on his toes once or twice in passing through the store,
and in the parlor doorway, to his intense mortification, jostled,
heavily against Desire. He plumped down in the easiest chair in the
room, before being invited to sit at all, and changing hastily from
that to a stool too small for him, at the third attempt settled in a
chair of the right size. It was then that he remembered to take off
his hat, and having crossed and uncrossed his legs several times, and
tried numerous postures, finally sat bolt upright, gripping the lapels
of his coat with his hands. As for any tender emotions on account of
the girl who sat near him, he was scarcely conscious of her presence,
save as an element of embarrassment.
"I understand that you have served at the south, Captain Hamlin," said
Mrs.
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