They have a paid secretary. President usually
marries him. He is not a bachelor-woman. They're mostly worms--the men
that help women to make fools of themselves."
This was very strong language for Uncle Joseph, who usually seemed
to have a latent admiration for his gifted sister's greatness. Netty
suspected that he was angry, or put out by something else, and made the
Massachusetts Women Bachelors bear the brunt of his displeasure.
"She is a masterful woman is Aunt Jooly," he said; "she'll give him his
choice between dismissal and--and earthly paradise."
Netty laughed soothingly, and glanced up at him again. He was walking
along with huge, lanky strides, much more hurriedly than he was aware
of. His head was thrust forward, and his chin went first as if to push a
way through a crowded world.
And it was borne in upon Netty that Uncle Joseph had received some
order; that he was pluming his ragged old wings for flight.
XXXIII
THIN ICE
It was not yet mid-day when Paul Deulin called at the Bukaty Palace.
"Is the prince in?" he asked. "Is he busy?" he added, when the servant
had stood back with a gesture inviting him to enter. But the man only
shrugged his shoulders with a smile.
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