“How did you come? When did you come? How did you meet?” breathlessly demanded the astonished and delighted Mr. Toosypegs.
“I called for Erminie at her convent. She is not going back any more; my visit will probably be a short one. I hope Miss Toosypegs and all our friends are well?”
“Yes; all well. I am very much obliged to you. Did you pass through Judestown?”
“Of course. How else could we get here?”
“And didn’t you meet Miss Pet?”
“Miss Lawless? No. Was she at Judestown?” said Erminie, eagerly; while Ray found something so attractive among the trees that he could not possibly remove his eyes from it. “Oh, I should have liked to have seen her so much!”
“Yes; she went to Judestown this morning, and has not got back. My goodness! it is the greatest wonder you didn’t see her. What a pity she didn’t know you’ve come! she would be here in a flash.”
“Is she to be married, do you know, Mr. Toosypegs?” said Erminie, in a low voice; “we heard she was.”
The little boy glanced from the corner of his eye, and saw a faint red on the dark cheek of the tall, handsome, Spanish-looking gentleman beside him.
Mr. Toosypegs turned pale; even his very freckles turned the color of buttermilk curds at the question.