"No, Mrs. Evelyn, I shall wait another steamer."
The lady's brow instantly revealed to Fleda a trap setting beneath to catch his reason.
"I'm very glad!" exclaimed little Edith, who, in defiance of conventionalities and proprieties, made good her claim to be in the drawing-room on all occasions "then you will take me another ride, wont you, Mr. Carleton?"
"You do not flatter us with a very long stay," pursued Mrs.
Evelyn.
"Quite as long as I expected longer than I meant it to be," he answered, rather thoughtfully.
"Mr. Carleton," said Constance, sidling up in front of him. "I have been in distress to ask you a question, and I am afraid "
"Of what are you afraid, Miss Constance?"
"That you would reward me with one of your severe looks, which would petrify me; and then, I am afraid I should feel uncomfortable"
"I hope he will!" said Mrs. Evelyn, settling herself back in the corner of the sofa, and with a look at her daughter which was complacency itself "I hope Mr. Carleton will, if you are guilty of any impertinence."
"What is the question, Miss Constance?"