"I was, but I changed my mind at the last moment. It is far more comfortable going down by boat than it is by stage. Then, the thought of the pleasure of your society on the journey—" He was smiling, rather maliciously.
"Yes, yes, of course!" somewhat dismally.
"But now, to be frank with you, you don't seem altogether happy.
Why do you want to be rid of me? What harm have I done?" smiled
Dunwody.
"Oh, my dear sir!"
"May not one change his mind if he likes?"
"My dear sir, there is no argument about that."
"Certainly not! The only argument is on the previous question—When are you going to introduce me as you should, to that extremely beautiful young lady who is with you?"
"Good God, my very dear sir!"
"You are not 'my dear sir' at all, so long as you try to hoodwink me," persisted Dunwody, still smiling. "Come, now, what are you doing here, west bound with a young and charming person who is not your wife, widow, mother, daughter, fiancee or sister—who is not—"
"That will do, if you please!" Carlisle's hot temper named into his freckled face.