"At that rate we won't lose our way to it for some time," she said laughing, as they stepped into the drawing-room, so cool and shady, after the heat and glare outside.
As they entered Mr. Frettlby rose from a chair near the window. He appeared to have been reading, for he held a book in his hand.
"What! Fitzgerald," he exclaimed, in a hearty tone, as he held out his hand; "I am glad to see you."
"I let you know I am living, don't I?" replied Brian, his face flushing as he reluctantly took the proffered hand. "But the fact is I have come to say good-bye for a few days."
"Ah! going back to town, I suppose," said Mr. Frettlby, lying back in his chair, and playing with his watch chain. "I don't know that you are wise, exchanging the clear air of the country for the dusty atmosphere of Melbourne."
"Yet Madge tells me you are going back," said Brian, idly toying with a vase of flowers on the table.
"Depends upon circumstances," replied the other carelessly. "I may and I may not. You go on business, I presume?"
"Well, the fact is Calton—" Here Brian stopped suddenly, and bit his lip with vexation, for he had not intended to mention the lawyer's name.
"Yes?" said Mr. Frettlby, interrogatively, sitting up quickly, and looking keenly at Brian.
"Wants to see me on business," he finished, awkwardly.