Maude began the conversation. “I received your astonishing telegram, Quincy, and was here on time,” and she emphasized the final words.
“What does it mean? Is Alice sick?”
Quincy took the cue. “Not exactly sick, but she wants to see you very much, and I felt so sure you would come to please her, that I ignored your refusal to accept an invitation from me. Come, we'll have lunch at Young's, and then a carriage to the station,—is your trunk there?”
Maude nodded. She felt that Quincy had played a trick on her and she was in a rebellious mood.
She ate her lunch in silence. Not a word was spoken during the drive to the station. When the train was under way Quincy remarked, casually, “I invited Mr. Merry to come down next Saturday and stay over Sunday.”
From that moment until they reached Eastborough Centre, Quincy could not have desired a more talkative or vivacious companion. As they stepped upon the platform, Mr. Parsons came up.
“They're there, safe and sound. I went up with them myself, so's to be sure.”