Though I pulled in my horses, she only glanced at me, and resumed her walk towards the landing, apparently determined to avoid me. I was rather vexed at this treatment, for I wished to invite her to ride down to the river. I knew nothing about the shyness and reserve of young ladies in civilized life. I drove on once more, and she stepped out of the road to permit the team to pass. She glanced at me again, and I saw that she was not angry with me. I stopped the horses, and then I ventured to speak to her.
CHAPTER IX.
IN WHICH PHIL HAS A VISITOR AT THE CASTLE.
"Won't you ride?" I asked, as the young lady stepped out of the road to allow my team to pass.
"No, I thank you," she answered, with a smile and a blush.
I did not then understand the absurdity of the invitation I extended to her. The wagon was simply a platform on wheels, with stakes. It had been built by old Matt, though the wheels had been brought from some town hundreds of miles down the river. It was the only vehicle on the place, and was used for carting wood and hay, and for all the purposes of the farm. It was not a suitable chariot for a civilized young lady, dressed as prettily as Miss Gracewood was.
"Did you know that the steamer you came in had gone?" I added.
"Gone!" exclaimed she, with a start, and an expression of utter despair.
"She left half an hour ago."