As the Hosmers returned to the hotel, each noted a handsome carriage before the door, with liveried outriders, and while themselves alighting young Allyne and his friend, Mr. Donelson, came down the steps to reach it, but, seeing our party, made haste to intercept them.
"We've just been to call on you," cried the former, his face radiant at the fortunate meeting, "and were about departing utterly crestfallen. Do you notice our style?" with a merry glance at the grand equipage.
"Notice it! It fills all the horizon," laughed Hope, with reddening cheeks. "We supposed that the Governor-General, at the very least, had come to bid us welcome, and inquire after our health. Of course we could not admit the idea that he had come here for any other purpose."
"Well, we may not be the Governor-General—who, by the way, might not feel like a journey from Calcutta just for a friendly call even upon two charming young ladies," observed Mr. Donelson, "but I haven't a doubt you'll find us quite as interesting!"
"And a great deal younger," added Allyne suggestively.
"Oh! such conceit," cried Faith, as they bubbled over with laughter.
"And we're much obliged for your valuable information," added Hope, rather taken aback at her own blunder.
"About the location of the Residency, or our relative ages?" asked
Allyne.
"We make no charge for either!" continued Donelson, airily.
"Better come back inside then, gentlemen," proposed the captain. "It's a bit warm here."