Again the Irishman looked at the teacher, but her eyes were fixed on the glowing fire.
"I—well—I suppose—I could."
"Suppose we have a joint meeting of the men and women next Saturday evening," said Esther. "Have a programme that would not be very long, but interesting. Then let them have a social time, and treat them to some cake and coffee."
"That is a happy thought, Miss Bright," said Mrs. Clayton in hearty approval.
Now plans began to be discussed in earnest. And before the guests departed, it had been decided that the first social function ever given by the people of Gila should be given in the schoolhouse the following Saturday night.
As the two men walked toward the camp, Lord Kelwin questioned his companion.
"What did Clayton mean by Miss Bright's being of the 'blood royal'?"
"That is what he meant."
"Related to some royal house of Europe, some native ruler here, eh?"
His companion stopped and laughed.