"Wonderfully level-headed people, those Wrights," soliloquized Edgar, as he sauntered home. "A distinct acquisition to the island." Some thought occurred to him. "I wish father could have heard that," he mused.
Phil lingered behind him. He had changed into his own clothes remarkably early this afternoon. There was an hour yet before supper-time.
"Where are the rest of your family this afternoon?" he asked.
"Violet went with Kathleen into the woods to get some specimens she wants for her microscope," replied Mrs. Wright.
"Where's Eliza?" Phil smiled as he asked it, and his companion smiled in answer.
"In her room, I think."
Phil raised his eyebrows interrogatively.
"Yes, I think so, a little," she replied softly, nodding. "You see Jane has been there every day."
"But that's all the rent I pay," protested Phil, all very quietly, for though they were standing outdoors, the windows were open.
"Yes, but—it's a good deal for flesh and blood to bear," said Mrs. Wright with a twinkling glance. "The green-eyed monster ramps at the best of us, you know."