"My brother," said Charlton.
"I don't mean your brother, Capt. 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?"
Mr. Thorn honoured the introduction with perfect civility, but then fell back to his former position and slightly lowered tone.