"I am afraid it is," said Barstow, "and I am sure I would rather be cousins."
"Professor Barstow leaves on this train," Adelaide explained to
Percy; "excuse me, please."
Percy raised his hat as he stepped back from the crowd and waited for the parting of the two. He was sure that Barstow held her hand longer than was necessary, and he also noticed that her face flushed as she rejoined him after the train started.
"Will you take the rear seat?" she asked. as they reached the carriage.
"If you so prefer."
"That seat is for our guests, so I don't prefer," came her reply, which left Percy wholly in the dark as to her wishes.
"Then let me be your coachman rather than your guest."
"If you so prefer," she repeated, and without waiting for assistance quickly mounted to the front seat, leaving him to occupy the driver's seat beside her.
"Captain and Mrs. Stone of Montplain were with us for Thanksgiving and I came with the carriage to take them home. Professor Barstow has also been spending his Thanksgiving vacation visiting with papa."
"Thank you," said Percy, as he took the lines and turned the horses toward Westover.