The small hat was wreathed with crushed roses, and the cloak, of soft clinging material, was cut in the latest fashion.
At another time the young man might have been puzzled, but his mind was too full of one thing just then to admit of questionings.
“I’m glad you look so nicely,” he confided as they started out, “for even though mine aunt will, of course, spurn me for not wedding the girl of her choice, in her heart of hearts she will have to agree that I have chosen the more beautiful one for my bride.”
The color in Josephine’s cheeks deepened, although it may have been a reflection of the rose-tulle lining of her hat.
In the meantime the strangers at the inn had inquired if Frederick Edrington were staying there.
Although Mr. Enterprise Twiggly well knew the young man whom Ken called Uncle Ed, he did not associate the two names, and replied that he knew “no such person.”
Mrs. Edrington and her companions were in the parlor of the inn, awaiting the coming of the stage, when the two young people arrived. Josephine requested that she be permitted to remain in the outer office while Frederick went alone to meet his aunt.
The four occupants of the plainly furnished room turned as the door opened, and the young engineer was somewhat surprised to see that one of them was no other than Lord Dunsbury. The two girls were Marlita Arden and her younger sister, Gladys Louise. Frederick regretted this, since his Josephine undoubtedly had been her governess. Perhaps the girl he loved ought to be told to slip back to her cabin home, that she might escape whatever humiliation would be in store for her, were she to meet the snobbish Ardens.
“I’m so glad to see you again,” said Marlita.
“More than pleased I assure you,” rather coldly added the young Englishman.