“How do you mean?”

“I mean that I shall go with you, if my people will let me, and you will take me.”

“W-h-e-w! Anything happened?”

“Yes.”

“You've seen her?”

“Yes.”

“Well, go on. Don't keep a fellow in suspense. I shall be introduced, and eat one of the old boy's good dinners, after all, before I sail.”

Tom looked out of window, and found some difficulty in getting out the words, “No, it's all up.”

“You don't mean it?” said East, coming to a sitting position by Tom's side. “But how do you know? Are you sure? What did she say?”

“Nothing. I haven't spoken to her; but it's all up. She was riding with her father and the fellow to whom she's engaged. I have heard it a dozen times, but never would believe it.”