“Perhaps he thought, as you were Americans, you didn't care for THAT,” said the consul dryly.
“That's no reason why we shouldn't have it if it belonged to us, or we chose to pay for it,” said the lady pertly.
“Then your changed personal relations with Mr. McHulish is the reason why you hear so little of his progress or his expectations?”
“Yes; but he don't know that they are changed, for we haven't seen him since we've been here, although they say he's here, and hiding somewhere about.”
“Why should he be hiding?”
The young girl lifted her pretty brows. “Maybe he thinks it's mysterious. Didn't I tell you he was a crank?” Yet she laughed so naively, and with such sublime unconsciousness of any reflection on herself, that the consul was obliged to smile too.
“You certainly do not seem to be breaking your heart as well as your engagement,” he said.
“Not much—but here comes maw. Look here,” she said, turning suddenly and coaxingly upon him, “if she asks you to come along with us up north, you'll come, won't you? Do! It will be such fun!”
“Up north?” repeated the consul interrogatively.
“Yes; to see the property. Here's maw.”