"You must presume not! — after what you have heard," she answered with abundant haughtiness.
"It is one mark of a good engineer to be a match for his machinery," said Winthrop quietly.
It was said so coolly and simply that Elizabeth did not take offence. She stood, rather cooled down and thoughtful, still at the back of Mr. Herder's chair. Winthrop rose to take leave, and Mr. Haye repeated his invitation.
"I will venture so far as to say I will come if I can, sir."
"I shall expect you," said the other, shaking his hand cordially.
Mr. Herder went with his friend. Mr. Haye soon himself followed, leaving the two ladies alone. Both sat down in silence at the table; Elizabeth with a book, Miss Cadwallader with her fancy work; but neither of them seemed very intent on what she was about. The work went on lazily, and the leaves of the book were not turned over.
"I wish I was Winthrop Landholm," said Rose at length.
"Why?" — said her cousin, after a sufficient time had marked her utter carelessness of what the meaning might have been.
"I should have such a good chance."
"Of what?" — said Elizabeth dryly enough.