Lyle had said nothing, but had listened to the conversation, a thoughtful, far-away look stealing into her eyes; and the rest of the boarders arriving just then, nothing more was said on the subject.
Haight greeted Houston with his usual smiling politeness, but Morgan looked sullen, and Mr. Blaisdell was gloomy and taciturn. Haight’s influence was working, and he could afford to smile. Lyle was quick to note the situation, and also to detect in Haight’s face an expression of ill-concealed triumph, and as their eyes met, he read that in her face that boded no good to himself.
CHAPTER XXII.
Mr. Blaisdell having returned to the city that same day, everything went forward in the same regular routine as prior to Houston’s absence, and evening found the four friends seated on the summit of an immense rocky pile, watching the grand and rugged scenery surrounding them illumined by the glowing colors of the sunset sky. They had been talking of Rutherford’s intended trip to the coast, when Miss Gladden said:
“Mr. Houston, how early can you join us to-morrow afternoon? We are going to have a little picnic party of four, in honor of your return, and also to give Mr. Rutherford pleasant memories of his last days among the mountains.”
“Oh,” said Rutherford, “now I understand; I’ve wondered what you ladies were so mysterious about all day; you’ve been holding secret sessions and making cabalistical signs to each other all the afternoon. Well, as this picnic is partly on my account, I’m sure I feel flattered and shall be delighted to attend. Houston, old boy, when can we look for you?”
“I think, considering the importance of the occasion, I can be ready to join you at three o’clock,” replied Houston, while the ladies expressed their approval.
“There seems to have been a great deal of mysterious consultation about this affair,” remarked Rutherford, “what is the program for to-morrow?”