explain how perfect it seems to be here with you."

She mentioned demurely her hope of his return to the Payne Fort in a
month or so: a remark which he seemed to find quite unworthy of notice.

"Stay over till to-morrow, Carlisle! Let's do that! And we'll take the
day train down together."

"Goodness! With my tickets all bought? And my trunks packed since
morning?"

Canning glanced hurriedly at his watch. "I can arrange about the
tickets in three minutes. As for the trunks, Mrs. Willing's maid will be
only too glad to unpack them for you. Do--do stay."

She laughed at his eagerness, though at it her heart seemed to swell a
little.

"And if they've already gone to the station?"

"I can put my hand on ten men who will drive like the devil to bring
them back."

"And if my mother confidently expects me for breakfast to-morrow?"

"I will write the telegram to her myself." He added: "Ah, you can't
refuse me!"

Cally said: "I'm afraid you are one of the terrible masterful men that
we read about, Mr. Canning. But--perhaps that's why I shall be glad