"No indeed. It is well you do not, for you would become the embodiment of resentment. How large is your train now, Stella?"
"You can dimmish it by one if you choose," she replied, smiling archly.
"I should be little missed, no doubt."
"I didn't say that."
"I'm more afraid of Muir than of all the train together."
"That's natural. The train has little chance collectively."
"Don't pretend to misunderstand me. There was unmistakable meaning in
Muir's eyes."
"I should hope so. He means to help me have a good time. So do you, I trust."
"Certainly. You may judge of the future from the past," he added, significantly, as he rose to take his leave.
"Then the future promises well for me," she said, giving him her hand cordially; "for you have been one of the best of friends."