"But they may not miss me. There are very few passengers on board, and I have a state-room all to myself. I have been in it half the time, reading, and they may think I am there."
"There will be another steamer along in a few days, and you can go in her."
"In a few days!" repeated she. "What can I do for two or three days?"
"There's Mr. Mellowtone," I interposed, pointing to the pretty barge of my friend, who was returning to the Castle, as he had promised to do.
"And who is Mr. Mellowtone?" inquired my fair companion.
I explained who he was: and by the time I had finished my description, we arrived at the landing.
"There is no steamer to be seen," said Miss Ella, sadly.
"But she will come back, I am sure, even if she has gone a hundred miles, when they discover your absence," I replied.
"I wish I could think so."
"You may depend upon it."