Now, considering the treatment which Philip had received from the squire before he left Norton, the reader can hardly feel surprised that our hero didn’t care to trust himself with his unscrupulous fellow townsman.
“Thank you, Squire Pope,” said Philip, “but it is rather late for me to call at a private house. I am staying at the hotel, and if you will take the trouble to go around there with me, we will have a chance to converse.”
“Very well,” said the squire, hesitating. Just then up came his niece, Carrie, who was determined to get acquainted with Philip.
“Uncle,” she said, “introduce me to Mr. Gray.”
“This is my niece, Caroline Cunningham,” said the squire stiffly.
“I am glad to meet Miss Cunningham,” said Philip, extending his hand, with a smile.
“What a lovely player you are, Mr. Gray!” she said impulsively.
“I am afraid you are flattering me, Miss Cunningham.”
“Don’t call me Miss Cunningham. My name is Carrie.”
“Miss Carrie, then.”