“Don’t care for kissing. How does Miss Hawthorne like this precious country?”
“I assume she will like it all the better for your arrival.”
I was going to resent the impertinence, but withheld the burning retort that rose to my lips.
A self-sufficient smile appeared as he almost yawned:
“I should hope so.”
At this moment Mabel appeared upon the steps.
“Ah! Mr. Melton,” she exclaimed, a bright, happy flush upon her lovely face; “this is a surprise,” shaking hands with him.
“Agreeable?”
“Of course. You have introduced yourself, I see, to Mr. Ormonde.”
“How’s the governor?” not noticing her observation.