“And Miss Cary likes Gray.” This with a keen look at Middleton.
“Ah?” After a pause: “Who told you so?”
“I have it from the best authority.”
“Miss Cary, or Gray?”
“No, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Oh!” laughed Middleton. “Reely, what a humbug you are.”
“No, only a diplomatist, my dear boy. It’s necessary, to accomplish anything with the dear creatures.”
The morning after Middleton’s arrival he was driving to the county seat, when at a turn in the road he met Dr. Cary walking. It had rained the night before, and the road was muddy and heavy; but the Doctor was trudging along with his old black saddle-pockets over his shoulder. Middleton pulled up, and sprang out and greeted him.
The Doctor returned his greeting cordially, and invited him to come and see them.