"Did she tell you so?" said Seaforth, smiling, and Alton turned upon him savagely.
"No, sir, she did not," said he. "Anyway, it wasn't necessary. You understand these folks from the old country, Charley?"
"It is," said Seaforth dryly, "a tolerably bold venture to assert that one understands anybody."
"Well," said Alton, "you know what I mean. Now do you think Miss Deringham was vexed because she didn't get that fishing? You see she is tolerably keen on it. Of course, if I had thought of it I might have sent you with her."
"No," said Seaforth, smiling. "I should scarcely fancy that was the reason, and I don't fancy the arrangement suggested would have given Miss Deringham any great pleasure. Nor do I think I should have gone."
"No?" said Alton inquiringly.
"No," said Seaforth dryly. "I'm not Alton of Somasco—and Carnaby—you see."
Alton regarded him sternly out of half-closed eyes. "There are jokes that don't please me, Charley," he said, and then laughed softly. "I'm a fool with a red-hot temper, but it's a consolation that I know a bigger one than me."
"You need not be bashful, Harry. You mean me?"
Alton nodded as he turned upon his heel, and Seaforth watched him meditatively. "I wish I was as sure of it as you seem to be," said he. "Well, I'm occasionally thankful I'm not a rich man, nor much of a beauty."