Frederick Lanier grew red even to the tips of his ears with embarrassed indignation at thus having the most cherished secret of his heart rudely laid bare to the light of common day. He became only the more determined to escape, where he could dwell in peace on the one idea that engrossed all his thoughts.
"When do you think of leaving?" asked Emily.
"To-morrow," he replied.
"And Bessie comes the day after. And when will you return?"
"Perhaps by the last week in August."
"And Bessie will be gone by that time. It is too bad!"
"I do not understand what Bessie Graham has to do with my movements. I might change my plans to suit you, Emily, but not a little chattering thing like your friend."
Emily said nothing; she had had schemes of her own, and Frederick had completely destroyed them, but she deigned no explanation.
"I think of going along the Hudson River until I reach the northern extremity of the State, when I shall cross over to the Green Mountains in Vermont, and go through that State into New Hampshire. I hope to find myself at the foot of the White Mountains by the middle of July."
"The very time Miss Marshall expects to arrive there. She is going on horseback with her brother. Her mother and sister are to accompany them in the carriage."