your train."

"No, you are right there. The house is all in a muddle from the
wedding, and we are to have a sort of nondescript meal at eight.
Herrick, old fellow, I want you to put me up for a couple of nights.
You are coming down to Staplegrove on Tuesday, so I told Dinah that
we might as well travel together."

"Does your sister really expect me?" asked Malcolm dubiously. "My
dear boy," as Cedric grew rather red and pulled his budding
moustache in an affronted manner, "I know you were good enough to
invite me, but I understood from you that your sisters were the
owners of the Wood House, and as I have not yet made their
acquaintance--"

"Hang it all, Herrick, I suppose a fellow can see his friends
sometimes, even if he is dependent on his sisters," and Cedric's
tone was decidedly sulky. "Besides, Dinah sent you a message--she
and Elizabeth will be delighted to see you, and all that sort of
thing, and they hoped you would stay as long as possible."

"I am glad you told me that," returned Malcolm, with a relieved air.
In reality he had been secretly much embarrassed by Cedric's
invitation. "You know, my dear fellow, how pleased I am to be
introduced to your people, and it is most kind of Miss Templeton to
send me that message."

"Oh, Dinah is a good old sort," returned the lad carelessly. The
cloud had vanished from his face. "Well, Herrick, what do you say
about putting me up? There are two or three things I want to do in