"I don't know!" said Meg, coldly; "she never told me, and I do not ask questions."
"That is a hint for me to be silent, I suppose. Well, I won't inquire further."
They were walking up the grass-grown avenue, and Dan was amazed at the savageness of the place. Meg was quite used to it, and saw nothing strange in the desolation. It did not seem to lower her spirits, but rather had the opposite effect, as she began to whistle. A very pretty whistle she had, and executed an operatic air with much precision and sweetness. Dan laughed. She was so unconventional that he could not help his merriment.
"Why do you laugh, Daniel?" said Meg, severely.
"I beg your pardon, but I never heard a young lady whistle before."
"Oh, I know it is wrong--Miss Linisfarne is always scolding me; but I cannot break off the habit. Are you shocked?"
"By no means. I am charmed."
"Another compliment. If you make any more I shall leave you, sir."
"What, in this tropical jungle! Do not be so cruel. Remember I am a stranger, and entitled to hospitality."
Meg looked at him doubtfully, not understanding such irony; but Dan looked so grave when he spoke, that she passed over his remark in silence.