“We do, and that's all there is about it. I guess we'd better be starting over, hadn't we? It's most half-past now. Where's your jacket, Jennie?” Mrs. Craig had no jacket, it appeared; but the Captain helped her on with her shawl. “Got your hat, George? Better let me have your arm, Jennie, going down the stairs. It's pretty dark.” “Oh, I know these stairs, father.” “That's so; I suppose you do. All ready, Mr. Halloran?” “All ready, Captain. I'll put out the light. Go ahead.” They went down the stairs two and two, Mrs. Craig and the Captain, Halloran and George, and walked toward the lake, through the vicious quiet of the side streets, through the merriment of North Clark Street, through the sober, comfortable region of stone houses and big churches--on to the imposing private hotel where dwelt the Le Ducs. “I'm afraid, father,” whispered Mrs. Craig, “that I'm not exactly dressed for this.” “Nonsense! My daughter needn't be ashamed to go anywhere. I wouldn't give _that_ for a girl that wouldn't be glad to see her own mother, no matter if she came in a sunbonnet. There's nothing the matter with this shawl, I guess.” “Why, no; but it's old. And they're not wearing shawls now.” “What do we care about that?” “I don't care if you don't.” And so determined was she not to care that she managed to force a little smile as her feet sank into the carpet and the door-boy stood aside to let her pass. Le Duc himself opened the door and greeted the group in the hall with a “How are you? Come in!” They filed into the room, where a table was spread for them, and stood about awkwardly. Mrs. Craig busied herself with her bonnet and shawl, George stood on one leg and then on the other, and looked at the carpet; and Halloran slipped into the background. But the Captain broke the silence by advancing toward Le Duc. “This must be Appleton, I take it. I'm glad to see you, young man--glad to welcome you into my family.” Apples took the outstretched hand and murmured something. “And where's Lizzie? I've got to see her before you can make me believe I've got a granddaughter old enough to be married. You'd never think it to look at Jennie, there, would you? Isn't she coming?” “Here I am,” said the young woman herself, appearing in the doorway. The Captain looked at her while the others stood silent; finally he walked around the table to meet her. “I--I can't believe it. I'm just going to kiss you, my dear. I guess your husband won't object if you kiss your own grandfather, will he?” “Oh, no; certainly not,” said Le Duc. “Well, well, so here we really are--all of us! Now we must have a good time of it. Where are we to sit, granddaughter? Don't forget to put me next to yourself. This almost makes me feel as if I was back in the old house.”