"You are not fit to travel now. You need some hours of quiet rest before we go any further."
"But when shall we get home?" said Fleda.
"In good time--not by the railroad--there is a nearer way that will take us to Queechy without going through Greenfield. I have ordered a room to be made ready for you--will you try if it be habitable?"
Fleda submitted; and indeed there was in his manner a sort of gentle determination to which few women would have opposed themselves; besides that her head threatened to make a journey a miserable business.
"You are ill now," said Mr. Carleton. "Cannot you induce your companion to stay and attend you?"
"I don't want her," said Fleda.
Mr. Carleton however mooted the question himself with Mrs. Renney, but she represented to him, though with much deference, that the care of her property must oblige her to go where and when it went. He rang and ordered the housekeeper to be sent.
Presently after a young lady in ringlets entered the room, and first taking a somewhat leisurely survey of the company, walked to the window and stood there looking out. A dim recollection of her figure and air made Fleda query whether she were not the person sent for; but it was several minutes before it came into Mr. Carleton's head to ask if she belonged to the house.
"I do, sir," was the dignified answer.
"Will you shew this lady the room prepared for her? And take care that she wants nothing."