"I don't mind. It will help to fill up the time."
For many years such an open winter had not been known. The unusual warmth had left the lake as free from ice as in the early fall. But for a slight covering of snow there would have been nothing to indicate that it was winter.
"Your vacation is likely to be a slow one here," suggested Bowman.
"Yes; St. Victor isn't a very lively place."
"I wonder you are willing to stay here," said Bowman, with momentary suspicion.
"I have so much excitement in New York and in my daily rides on the Erie road, that I don't mind the dulness as much as many would. Still if you and Mr. Sinclair were not here, I should cut short my visit at once."
Bowman did not understand the hidden meaning of this speech, and naturally interpreted it in a sense complimentary to himself.
"Sinclair isn't much company," he said. "He is down in the dumps on account of his rheumatism. I suppose he thinks I ought to stay in the cottage with him, but I couldn't stand it."
"I suppose you are in business together," observed Fred, innocently.
"Did he say so?"