These words were plainly audible to Ashby, who, however, only smiled.
"Madame," said Lopez, still more eagerly, "commanda me. Shall I condut the mees?"
For a moment Mrs. Russell seemed inclined to accept the proffered aid, but it was only for a moment. The good lady was timid. She dreaded a scene. A quarrel in so public a place between these two jealous and hot-headed youths would be too terrible, so she at once gave way.
"Oh no, no," she said, hurriedly. "Thanks, Captain Lopez, I think I shall ask you to conduct me to our carriage. Mr. Russell will be with us immediately."
Upon this Lopez offered his arm, which Mrs. Russell took, and they both went off. Ashby followed slowly with Katie.
"Katie," said he, after a pause, "I'm going too."
"What!" said Katie, in a joyous voice, "in this train?"
"Yes, along with you."
"How perfectly lovely!" said Katie—which expression showed that these two were on very good terms with one another.
"But then, you know," she resumed, "Mr. Russell has the carriage for us only."