“I don’t know just how late I may be detained,” he answered, smiling, “Why? are you keeping a watchful eye upon me?”
“Certainly,” she replied, “Mr. Rutherford used to call himself your guardian, and now that he is gone, I must make his place good;” then she added more seriously, “This is an altogether different country from what you have been accustomed to; it is not particularly pleasant or safe for one to keep late hours here, especially if he has enemies.”
Houston was somewhat surprised by this second warning, but he answered lightly:
“Yes, I know I am in what Ned used to call ‘the camp of the Philistines,’ but you do not think I have any dangerous enemies, do you?”
“It is only fear of detection that keeps some of them from being dangerous,” said Lyle, who saw Miss Gladden approaching, “don’t give them any opportunities for working their spite in the dark.”
Miss Gladden just then came up, and Lyle soon resumed her place among the players.
“Going out again this evening, Mr. Houston?”
“Yes, Miss Gladden,” replied Houston with mock gravity.
“Excuse me, Everard,” she answered, blushing, “but when so many strangers are about, I am obliged to be very circumspect, you know.”
“There are no strangers within hearing at present, Leslie,” he replied, “but isn’t it nearly time for this crowd to take its departure?”