I was still thinking the ode over as I dressed for breakfast, for which
I was late, owing to my hair, which the changes in the weather had
rendered somewhat recalcitrant. Yes; decidedly I must have it out with
somebody. The weather was once more superb; and in the garden beneath my
window men were already sweeping away the broken twigs and debris of the
storm. I say “already,” because it had not seemed to me to be the Kings
Port custom to remove debris, or anything, with speed. I also had it in
my mind to perform at lunch Aunt Carola’s commission, and learn if the
family of La Heu were indeed of royal descent through the Bombos. I
intended to find this out from the girl behind the counter, but the
course which our conversation took led me completely to forget about it.
As soon as I entered the Exchange I planted myself in front of the
counter, in spite of the discouragement which I too plainly perceived in
her countenance; the unfavorable impression which I had made upon her at
our last interview was still in force.