‘They know me,’ he remarked to Alice, with his air of satisfaction. ‘I suppose you’re half frozen? I’ve got a foot-warmer in the trap.’
The carriage promised to Adela was a luxury Richard had not ventured to allow himself. Alice mounted to a seat by his side, and he drove off.
‘Why on earth did you come second-class?’ he asked, after examining her attire with approval.
‘Ought it to have been first? It really seemed such a lot of money, Dick, when I came to look at the fares.’
‘Yes, it ought to have been first. In London things don’t matter, but here I’m known, you see. Did mother go to the station with you?’
‘No, Mr. Keene did.’
‘Keene, eh?’ He bent his brows a moment.
‘I hope he behaves himself?’
‘I’m sure he’s very gentlemanly.’
‘Yes, you ought to have come first-class. A princess riding second’ll never do. You look well, old girl? Glad to come, eh?’