It was, perhaps, fortunate that the day had been a dull one for both Mrs. Yorke and Alice. Alice had been confined to her lounge, and after the first anxiety was over Mrs. Yorke had been inclined to scold her for her carelessness and the fright she had given her. They had not agreed about a number of matters. Alice had been talking about her adventure until Mrs. Yorke had begun to criticise her rescuer as "a spindling country boy."
"He was strong enough to bring me down the mountain a mile in his arms," declared the girl. "He said it was half a mile, but I am sure it was a mile."
Mrs. Yorke was shocked, and charged Alice with being susceptible enough to like all men.
"All those who are strong and good-looking," protested Alice.
Their little difference had now been made up, and Alice, who had been sitting silent, with a look of serious reflection on her face, said:
"Mamma, why don't you invite him over to dinner?"
Mrs. Yorke gave an exclamation of surprise.
"Why, Alice, we know nothing about him."
But the girl was insistent.
"Why, mamma, I am sure he is a gentleman. Dr. Balsam said he was one of the best people about here, and his father was a clergyman. Besides, he is very interesting. His father was in the war; I believe he was a general."