The lights and shadows cast by the fire were very sharp, so that Nellie, standing behind Overton, was almost invisible when a little later Vickers himself came up.
He was quite hoarse with shouting, and was enjoying himself immensely.
“It’s a fine sight,” said Overton.
“What? Oh, yes, bully. I’ve had the time of my life. But I am afraid it’s almost over.”
Nellie moved forward. She had not forgotten Emmons’s perfidy, and she said: “Will you tell me when you are going, Bob? I should like to go home with you.”
“You here, Nellie? Of course I’ll take you home any time you say. Has Emmons deserted you? I thought I saw him here earlier.”
“Yes, I saw him, too, looking on.”
“The same occupation he was engaged in when I saw him. In fact of all natural-born, first-rate spectators——”
She thought Overton need not have laughed, and she said, “Bob, if you can not speak civilly of Mr. Emmons——”
“There, there, I’ll not say another word. Where is my coat? Are you ready? Let’s be getting along. Shall we go by the road or across lots?”