"And who is with her?" said Thorn. "As I live! our friend what's his name? who has lost all his ancestors. And who is the other?"
"My brother," said Charlton.
"I don't mean your brother, Captain Rossitur," said Thorn, throwing himself off his horse.
He joined the party, who were just leaving the mill to go down towards the house. Very much at his leisure, Charlton dismounted, and came after him.
"I have brought Charlton safe home, Miss Ringgan," said Thorn, who, leading his horse, had quietly secured a position at her side.
"What's the matter?" said Fleda, laughing. "Couldn't he bring himself home?"
"I don't know what's the matter, but he's been uncommonly dumpish; we've been as near as possible to quarrelling for half a dozen miles back."
"We have been a more agreeably employed," said Dr. Quackenboss, looking round at him with a face that was a concentration of affability.
"I make no doubt of it, Sir; I trust we shall bring no unharmonious interruption. If I may change somebody else's words," he added more low to Fleda " 'disdain itself must convert to courtesy in your presence.' "
"I am sorry disdain should live to pay me a compliment," said
Fleda. "Mr. Thorn, may I introduce to you, Mr. Olmney?"