"Where are you going, Mr. Hunter?" inquired Mrs. Clifton, after a pause.
"Fosdick and I have planned to take a carriage and ride to Fort Hamilton."
"Delightful!" said Mrs. Clifton. "Why can't we go too, Mr. Clifton?"
"Why, to tell the plain truth," said her husband, "I haven't got money enough with me. If you'll pay for the carriage, I'm willing to go."
Mrs. Clifton hesitated. She had money enough with her, but was not inclined to spend it. Still the prospect of making a joint excursion with Richard Hunter and Fosdick was attractive, and she inquired:—
"How much will it cost?"
"About five dollars probably."
"Then I think we'll go," she said, "that is, if our company would not be disagreeable to Mr. Hunter."
"On the contrary," said Dick. "We will get separate carriages, but I will invite you both to dine with us after visiting the fort."
Mr. Clifton brightened up at this, and straightway became more social and cheerful.