Presently Maxwell asked, as if it had just occurred to him:
"Who is this young friend of yours, this Miss Sherwood? She is very amusing; quite an original, is she not?"
"Well, she is something different from the average young lady, if that is what you mean. She is an American."
"Ah! I thought as much; and your sister's particular friend, is she?" giving a sly look at Lancy.
"Yes," not heeding the look, but aware of the hint conveyed in the words. "My sister's health is not good, and Miss Sherwood accompanies her to Charlottetown, as she was not willing to go alone. They have been very intimate ever since Miss Sherwood moved to Halifax. I am sure they are both well pleased that we did not stay at the hotel, seeing that through your kindness we have secured such comfortable quarters here."
"Don't mention it! that appeal to the winds would have moved the hardest heart. I guess she got a start when I spoke from the window. Ha, ha! I fancy I see her yet. She would make a fine actress."
"You had better not make that remark to the lady in question. She would not consider it a compliment, I can tell you," said Lancy.
"No? Then what sort of a speech would your Miss Sherwood call complimentary?"
"Better try and find out for yourself," said Lancy, smiling. "It has been too hard a thing for me to discover for myself to give it away."