Elizabeth brought a rug and wrapped it round him. But she did not try to console him; she looked round for something or someone to amuse him.
On the line, just beyond the railed platform of the car, a group of men were lounging and smoking. One of them was her acquaintance of the morning. Elizabeth, standing on the platform waited till he turned in her direction--caught his eye, and beckoned. He came with alacrity. She stooped over the rail to speak to him.
"I'm afraid you'll think it very absurd"--her shy smile broke again--"but do you think there's anyone in this train who plays bridge?"
He laughed.
"Certainly. There is a game going on at this moment in the car behind you."
"Is it--is it anybody--we could ask to luncheon?--who'd come, I mean," she added, hurriedly.
"I should think they'd come--I should think they'd be glad. Your cook, Yerkes, is famous on the line. I know two of the people playing. They are Members of Parliament."
"Oh! then perhaps I know them too," cried Elizabeth, brightening.
He laughed again.
"The Dominion Parliament, I mean." He named two towns in Manitoba, while Lady Merton's pink flush showed her conscious of having betrayed her English insularity. "Shall I introduce you?"