"Why, Mr. Corey! When did you get back?"
"Yesterday. It hardly seems as if I HAD got back. I didn't expect to find you in a new house."
"Well, you are our first caller. I presume you won't expect I should make excuses for the state you find it in. Has the Colonel been doing the honours?"
"Oh yes. And I've seen more of your house than I ever shall again, I suppose."
"Well, I hope not," said Lapham. "There'll be several chances to see us in the old one yet, before we leave."
He probably thought this a neat, off-hand way of making the invitation, for he looked at his woman-kind as if he might expect their admiration.
"Oh yes, indeed!" said his wife. "We shall be very glad to see Mr. Corey, any time."
"Thank you; I shall be glad to come."
He and the Colonel went before, and helped the ladies down the difficult descent. Irene seemed less sure-footed than the others; she clung to the young man's hand an imperceptible moment longer than need be, or else he detained her. He found opportunity of saying, "It's so pleasant seeing you again," adding, "all of you."
"Thank you," said the girl. "They must all be glad to have you at home again."