"You will be an invaluable help to me, Elfie, if you can read my English friends as closely."
"I am afraid you will not let me come as close to them," said
Fleda, laughing.
"Perhaps not. I shouldn't like to pay too high a premium for the knowledge. How is Hugh, to-day?"
Fleda answered, with a quick change of look and voice, that he was much as usual.
"My mother has written me that she will be here by the 'Europa,' which is due to-morrow. I must set off for New York this afternoon; therefore I came so early to Queechy."
Fleda was instinctively pulling off her gardening gloves, as they walked towards the house.
"Aunt Miriam wants to see you, Mr. Carleton she begged I would ask you to come there some time "
"With great pleasure. Shall we go there now, Elfie?"
"I will be ready in five minutes."
Mrs. Rossitur was alone in the breakfast-room when they went in. Hugh, she reported, was asleep, and would be just ready to see Mr. Carleton by the time they got back. They stood a few minutes talking, and then Fleda went to get ready.