"It is time for sober people to be in bed, Robert. I hope I have not kept you up."
Robert Dalrymple fairly exploded with laughter. Kept him up at only eleven o'clock! "My evening is not begun yet," said he.
"No!" returned Oscar, looking surprised, whether he felt so or not. "What do you mean?"
"I am engaged for the evening to Colonel Haughton."
"It sounds a curious time to us quiet country people to begin an evening. What are you going to do at Colonel Haughton's?"
"Can't tell till I get there."
"Can I accompany you?"
Robert's face turned grave. "No," said he, "it is a liberty I may not take. Colonel Haughton is a peculiar-tempered man."
"Good-night."
"Good-night, Oscar. Come to breakfast with me at ten."