"You are sure those are going?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then we can get in now?"
The man looked doubtful; but Lionel soon settled that matter by taking
the two ladies along to a Pullman car, where the conductor at once
allowed them to pass. It is true that as soon as the public outside
perceived that these empty carriages were also going, they took
possession without more ado; but in the meantime Lionel and his two
companions had had their choice of places, so that they were seated
together when the train started.
"It was most fortunate we met you," Lady Cunyngham said, bending very
friendly eyes on the young man. "I do so hate a crowded train; it
happens so seldom in travelling in England that one is not used to it.
Are you going down to Brighton for any time, Mr. Moore?"
"Mother," said Honnor Cunyngham, almost reproachfully, "you forget what
Mr. Moore's engagements are."
"Yes," said he, with a smile, "it is rather a cruel question. My
glimpses of the sea and sky are few and far between. The heavens that I
usually find over my head are made of canvas; and the country scenes I
wander through are run on wheels."
"But don't you think," said Miss Honnor to him (and it seemed so
cheerful to be away from the London gloom and out here in the clearer
air; to find himself sitting so near this young lady, able to regard her
dress, listening to her voice, sometimes venturing to meet the
straightforward glance of her calm eyes--all this was a wondrous and
marvellous thing)--"don't you think you enjoy getting away from town all
the more keenly? I shall never forget you in Strathaivron; _you_ were
never bored like some of the other gentlemen.
Pages:
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472