"We shall all grow jealous of Mr. Carleton," said Thorn. "He means to monopolize you, keeping you shut up there, upstairs."
"He didn't keep me shut up," said Fleda.
Mr. Carleton was welcome to monopolize her, if it depended on her vote.
"Not fair play, Carleton," continued the young officer, wisely shaking his head, "all start alike, or there's no fun in the race. You've fairly distanced us left us nowhere."
He might have talked Chinese, and been as intelligible to
Fleda, and as interesting to Guy, for all that appeared.
"How are we going to proceed to-morrow, Mr. Evelyn?" said Mrs. Carleton. "Has the missing stage-coach returned yet? or will it be forthcoming in the morning?"
"Promised, Mrs. Carleton. The landlord's faith stands pledged for it."
"Then it wont disappoint us, of course. What a dismal way of travelling!"
"This young country hasn't grown up to post-coaches yet," said
Mrs. Evelyn.
"How many will it hold?" inquired Mrs. Carleton.