But Carl came up in the evening to escort Edith home, and had then "the honor of making Mr. Rowan's acquaintance" in a remarkably cool and ceremonious fashion.
"Mother thought you had better come home early, Edith, because we must all be up early in the morning," he said, after a little very polite and very constrained talk. "Besides," he added, with a slight smile, "I believe Patrick does not allow his horse to be out after nine o'clock. He lent him to me very grudgingly."
The night was one of perfect silence as the two rode homeward under the stars, and they were not talkative. Scarcely a word was spoken till they had crossed the bridge, and were riding up North Street. Then Edith spoke in a low voice:
"Are you tired, Carl?"
"No, thank you. Are you?"
"No."
Then there was silence for a while, till Edith began again:
"Carl, do not you think that Mrs. Williams is pleasant?"
"I did not observe," he replied coolly. "I scarcely heard her speak. I do not doubt that she is pleasant to you."