Vane was baffled by something in her manner. Evelyn had never been effusive—that was not her way—-but now, while she was cordial, she did not seem disposed to resume their acquaintance where it had been broken off. After all, he could hardly have expected this.
"Mabel is like you, as you used to be," he observed. "It struck me as soon as I saw her; but when she began to talk there was a difference."
Evelyn laughed softly.
"Yes; I think you're right in both respects. Mopsy has the courage of her convictions. She's an open rebel."
There was no bitterness in her laugh. Evelyn's manner was never pointed; but Vane fancied that she had said a meaning thing—one that might explain what he found puzzling in her attitude, when he held the key to it.
"Mopsy was dubious about you before you arrived, but I'm pleased to say she seems reassured," she laughed.
Carroll came down, and a few moments later Mrs. Chisholm appeared and they went in to dinner in a low-ceilinged room. During the general conversation, Mabel suddenly turned to Vane.
"I suppose you have brought your pistols with you?"
"I haven't owned one since I was sixteen," Vane laughed.
The girl looked at him with an excellent assumption of incredulity.