As Lyle recalled all that occurred within the past twenty-four hours, the most eventful period within her recollection thus far, she felt that she had virtually broken with the old life and all its associations, and that she stood upon the threshold of a new life, higher, nobler,––perhaps sweeter,––than any of which she had ever dreamed.
The return of the little company of friends to the house interrupted her thoughts, but not before she had decided fully as to her future course.
After supper, it was decided to spend that first evening on the summit of one of the nearest mountains, to watch the glories of the sunset, and to give Morton Rutherford a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful scenery, before introducing him to its details.
But on the second evening, the entire party set forth for the trip to the cascades, for which Ned was so especially desirous.
Mr. Houston and Miss Gladden led the little procession, Houston carrying her guitar. Ned had constituted himself Lyle’s escort by taking the violin, and they came next, while Morton Rutherford and Arthur Van Dorn brought up the rear.
Their two boats were already awaiting them, and Ned, having assisted Lyle to a seat, turned to Van Dorn.
“Mr. Van Dorn,” he said in his blandest tones, “may we have the pleasure of your company in our boat?”
As Van Dorn laughingly accepted the invitation, Morton Rutherford turned toward his brother, saying:
“Are you not going to extend an invitation to me, also?”
“Unfortunately,” said Ned, with as much dignity as he could assume, “this boat will seat but three people.”