“I did,” she answered, laughing.
“But here you are.”
“Mother decided to let me come when she knew Mrs. Porter would be with us.”
“It seems to me that your mother is very particular.”
“She is. Excuse me. Mr. Hodge was speaking to me.”
“Hang Mr. Hodge!” muttered Wallace, under his breath. “I’d like to punch his head!”
Mabel chatted with Bart and Frank by turns, scarcely noticing Wallace, who grew more and more angry.
Northport Avenue was in fine condition, and that made the ride very pleasant.
Hattie Hazle was smitten by the appearance of Diamond, and it was not long before she found an opportunity to ask Dustan why he did not introduce Jack. She did this laughingly, saying it was rather awkward to find herself at times riding beside some one she did not know.
Dustan soon found an opportunity to introduce Jack, and Hattie chatted away to the Virginian in her artless way. Jack was polite and courteous, but not in the least effusive. He talked to the pretty girl at his side without giving her more than an occasional glance, which rather piqued her, for she was pretty, and she knew it. She was accustomed to admiration, and the Southerner’s rather distant manner was something new to her.