While she was arranging the pillows and things, La Klosking said to Vizard, “We artists learn to sleep when we have work to do. Without it I should not be strong enough this day.” She said this in a half-apologetic tone, as one anxious not to give him any shadow of offense.
She was asleep in five minutes; and Miss Gale sat watching her at first, but presently joined Vizard at the other end, and they whispered together. Said she, “What becomes of the theory that women have no strength of will? There is Mademoiselle Je le veux in person. When she wants to sleep, she sleeps; and look at you and me—do you know where we are going?”
“No.”
“No more do I. The motive power is that personification of divine repose there. How beautiful she is with her sweet lips parted, and her white teeth peeping, and her upper and lower lashes wedded, and how graceful!”
“She is a goddess,” said Vizard. “I wish I had never seen her. Mark my words, she will give me the sorest heart of all.”
“I hope not,” said Rhoda, very seriously.
Ina slept sweetly for nearly two hours, and all that time her friends could only guess where they were going.
At last the train stopped, for the sixth time, and Ashmead opened the door.
This worthy, who was entirely in command of the expedition, collected the luggage, including Vizard's bag, and deposited it at the station. He then introduced the party to a pair-horse fly, and mounted the box.
When they stopped at Bagley, Vizard suspected where they were going.