Just as we reach the road Mr. Carrington speaks, and colors a little as he does so.
"Miss Phyllis, I think I once heard you say you had never sat on the front of a drag; will you take it now? Miss Vernon agrees with me it is a good chance for you to see if you would like it."
How good of him to remember that foolish speech of mine, when I know he is longing for Dora's society!
"Oh! thank you," I say, flushing; "it is very kind of you to think of it; but Dora likes it too, and I can assure you I was quite happy. I enjoyed myself immensely when coming."
"Oh! in that case—-" returns Mr. Carrington, coldly, half turning away.
"Not but that I would like it," I go on, encouraged by a smile from Dora, who can now afford to be magnanimous, having been made much of and singled out by the potentate during the entire day, "if you are sure (to Mr. Carrington) you wish it."
"Come," says he with a pleased smile, and soon I find myself in the coveted position, our landlord in excellent temper beside me.
The horses, tired of standing, show a good deal of friskiness at the set-off, and claim their driver's undivided attention, so that we have covered at least a half mile of the road before he speaks to me. Then stooping to tuck the rug more closely round me (the evenings have grown very chilly) he whispers, with a smile:—
"Are you quite sure you would rather be here with me than at the back with that 'fat boy.'"
"Quite positive," I answer, with an emphatic nod. "I was only afraid you would have preferred—you would regret—you would have liked to return as you came," I wind up, desperately.