"Elizabeth says to-morrow. We go by rather a slow train."
"But why?" I began.
"Because, my dear, an all-wise Providence has decreed that express trains shall not haul private cars."
"Oh, I say!" exclaimed Mr. Porter. "That makes all the difference in the world."
"Only a day's difference."
"I mean....."
"You're going as our guest, you know."
"But really, Mr. Middleton, I never....."
"Don't be absurd, my boy."
"No," said Mr. Blakely Porter, "I won't be absurd. I shall be more than glad to go as your guest."