"We waited for you as long as we could," explained Gertrude, laughing in her brother's serious face. "This is my night to go away; and I always try to be punctual."
"I was the one in fault," he answered without a smile, "and by the way, that reminds me that I must engage a music teacher from the city for you at once. A few quarters of thorough drilling will turn you out quite a brilliant performer."
Gerty glanced uneasily in Paul's face and then meeting her brother's eye, blushed deeply, rising to hide her embarrassment.
"Put on your knit sacque," urged Hannah. "There will be a fog. Hiram will be there for you at nine, as usual."
"I object to that arrangement," protested Paul with rising color. "That must be my privilege, now."
Though turning a shade paler, Hannah took no notice of his remark; but rising, brought the soft scarlet sacque, and assisted Gerty to put it on.
The moment the door was shut, Edward turned to his guest, and with a kindling eye, asked:
"By what right do you assert any care of my sister?"
It was evident to both persons present that he was laboring under intense excitement which he was trying, however, to conceal.
"Give me an hour and I will explain," was the cool reply.