“Near here?” inquired Merry, with deferential politeness.
“Yes—quite near.”
Again Inza looked toward the man in the background, and again Merry saw the stranger shake his head a trifle.
“We’re going to leave the city very soon,” Inza hurried on, as if anxious to say something, but finding herself quite at a loss for words. “I’m truly glad to see you both. Oh, Dick! what a horrid scowl you have on your face!”
“Have I?” murmured Starbright, bowing.
“Why, you big boy! don’t you see it does not disturb Frank at all? I’m sorry I—I can’t invite you to call; but you—you are go—going away so soon—you know—of course——”
Usually Inza was quite self-possessed, but now she floundered badly.
“We might be able to stay longer, Miss Burrage, if——”
“Miss Burrage, indeed!” cried Inza resentfully. “Why do you call me that, Dick? Why are you so formal? You’re not a bit like yourself.”
“And I fancy you are not just like your usual self,” Dick returned.