At this moment the butler entered with the lamps. He was followed immediately by Mr. Randolph, who exclaimed delightedly:
“Is it really you, Mr. Thorpe? I have just sent you a note asking you to dine with us on Sunday. And you’ll stay to dinner to-night—no, I won’t listen to any excuses. If you knew what a pleasure it is to meet an Englishman once more!”
“Hastings will think I am lost—”
“I’ll send him a note, and ask him to come in for the evening, and I’ll get in a dozen of our neighbours. We’ll have some music and fun.”
“Very well—I am rather keen on staying, to tell you the truth. Many thanks.”
“Sit down. You must see something of sport here. It is very interesting in this wild country.”
“I should like it above all things.” Thorpe sat forward eagerly, forgetting Miss Randolph. “What have you that’s new? I’ve killed pretty nearly everything.”
“We will have an elk hunt.”
“I want to go, too,” said Nina, authoritatively.
Thorpe turned, and smiled, as he saw the hasty retreat of an angry sparkle.