Blair was as impassive as before.
"I suggested it, and your father acquiesced."
"And the third party, myself—" The girl's eyes were very bright.
"I undertook the task of having you ready when the carriage comes."
One of Florence's brown hands grasped the back of the chair before her.
"I trust you did not underestimate the difficulty," she commented ironically. "Otherwise you might be disappointed."
Ben said nothing. He did not even stir.
Another group of seconds were gathered into the past. The inactivity tugged at the girl's nerves.
"By the way," she asked, "where are we going to stay when we arrive, and for how long?"
"You are to be my guests," answered Blair. "As to the length of time, nothing has been arranged."