"But does Mr. Wright?" inquired Eliza in perturbation. Was it Pluto's destiny to become a wild-cat after travelling by land and sea!
That gentleman now appeared, stout and with tousled hair, which suggested that he had just risen from slumber.
"This is Eliza Brewster, Morris, and she has brought us a pet," said Mrs. Wright pleasantly.
The host shook hands with the newcomer with sufficient grace and eyed the basket curiously. Captain James looked benignly on the group.
"Eliza and me have been lookin' backward as we came along," he said. "We used to race and tear around this hill—she says 'twas a hundred years ago, but don't you believe it. I'm goin' to bring a bob-sled, first snow, and sail her down the hill and make her think 'twa'n't more'n yesterday that we did it last."
The smile on Eliza's haggard face but made her fatigue more evident.
"Where's the trunk, Cap'n James?" asked Mrs. Wright.
"I'm goin' to fetch it right up. Git ap, Tom."
"Hurry in, Mrs. Wright," said Eliza, her care-taking instinct asserting itself. "You'll take cold."