"I'd better billet him on that farm," said Du Meresq, driving off.
"And I must go and speak to Mrs. Armstrong," said Cecil.
CHAPTER XI.
EFFECTS OF TOBOGGINING.
With a slow and noiseless footstep
Takes the vacant chair beside me,
Lays her gentle hand in mine.
Longfellow.
A little further on, by a blazing fire, was seated the hostess and about a dozen other people on benches and rugs; a table spread with refreshments and hot liquids attracted as many more. The grey sky and white ground threw out the figures solidly, the only patches of colour being the bright petticoats of the ladies as they flashed down or toiled up the snow mountain.
"Have a 'cock-tail,' Miss Rolleston?" said Captain Wilmot, of the Fusiliers. "I have just made a capital one; and then may I steer you down on my toboggin?"