"Don't be too sure, Mr. Smyth, eloquent though he be," said his hostess; "while that clever Demosthenes of his party, Hon. C. F. Frazer, says him nay."
"Do you meditate a long stay, Buckingham, in this the white-washed city of the Dominion?" asked Tremaine.
"Yes, off and on all winter; you know I intend to purchase some of your mineral lands, since you allow them to lie undeveloped," he added, jestingly.
"You see, Capt. Tremaine," said Mrs. Gower, merrily, "the American Eagle done in silver is not as yet plenty with us."
"Don't despair, Tremaine, Commercial Union is looming up," said Buckingham.
"Treason! treason!" laughed Tremaine, "for we know what it would father."
"Hear, hear," cried Smyth.
"Oh, I don't know," laughed Mrs. Gower, "they say it is the Main-e idea for settling; here's a pretty mess! here's a pretty mess—of fish!"
"We can wait," said Buckingham, quietly, "evolution will bring about the Maine idea, with you also."
"Did you say you are going to Maine, Mr. Buckingham, we cannot do without you now," said pretty Mrs. St. Clair, caressingly.