"Really, sir, I didn't count. I can only answer for a bag full."
"Ladies and gentlemen!" cried Rossitur, bursting forth,--"What will you say when I tell you that Mr. Carleton deserted me and the sport in a most unceremonious manner, and that he,--the cynical philosopher, the reserved English gentleman, the gay man of the world,--you are all of 'em by turns, aren't you, Carleton?--he!--has gone and made a very cavaliero servante of himself to a piece of rusticity, and spent all to-day in helping a little girl pick up chestnuts!" "Mr. Carleton would be a better man if he were to spend a good many more days in the same manner," said that gentleman, dryly enough. But the entrance of dinner put a stop to both laughter and questioning for a time, all of the party being well disposed to their meat.
When the pickerel from the lakes, and the poultry and half-kept joints had had their share of attention, and a pair of fine wild ducks were set on the table, the tongues of the party found something to do besides eating.
"We have had a very satisfactory day among the Shakers, Guy," said Mrs. Carleton; "and we have arranged to drive to Kenton to-morrow--I suppose you will go with us?"
"With pleasure, mother, but that I am engaged to dinner about five or six miles in the opposite direction."
"Engaged to dinner!--what with this old gentleman where you went last night? And you too, Mr. Rossitur?"
"I have made no promise, ma'am, but I take it I must go."
"Vexatious! Is the little girl going with us, Guy?"
"I don't know yet--I half apprehend, yes; there seems to be a doubt in her grandfather's mind, not whether he can let her go, but whether he can keep her, and that looks like it."
"Is it your little cousin who proved the successful rival of the woodcock to-day, Carleton?" said Mrs. Evelyn. "What is she?"