Carlotta, after the manner of sisters, laughed derisively.
"Listen! I believe he wishes to make an original remark." Herbert was farther off than the others and had not heard just what Carlotta said.
"If we are not careful," he said again, looking at his watch, "we shall miss the boat."
"There," said Carlotta, "I told you that he was going to make an original remark."
This time Herbert heard her words, and when all laughed except Martine, he reddened deeply.
"It's better to be early than late," remarked Martine consolingly; "I've often missed a boat or a train just by thinking I had plenty of time."
Herbert turned gratefully towards Martine and walked back with her to the hotel. As a matter of fact they had half an hour to spare and were able to say good-bye to all their acquaintances without undue haste. The return trip was unexciting, and they reached Portsmouth in good spirits just in season to get the Ferry for Kittery.
As they came to their special car, "Here's your admirer," said Peggy mischievously to Martine.
"What do you mean?" asked Martine.
"Why, the conductor; didn't you notice him coming over? Carlotta did."