The conductor proved a more agreeable traveling companion than Philip, and the ride to Cedarville, which was not long, was a pleasant one.
General Haines' man-servant was awaiting Gay's arrival, and as they were about to drive away from the station, Philip came up to the carriage.
"You ran away because you were afraid!" he cried, mockingly.
"Yes," May replied, "I was 'afraid' that I should have to talk to you."
Philip did not appear to be offended at this plain speaking. "You're not such a slow sort, after all," said he, patronizingly.
"Thank you."
Philip asked another question:
"Is Miss—your name—the short for Mississippi?
"No, the short for Mischief!" retorted May, by way of a parting shot.
No one was visible when they reached the General's, but the man told May to "go in." The outside door was open and a tall man, dressed in what May thought to be livery, was in the hall. Toward this person she advanced boldly, despite his forbidding aspect.