But the treasure that took Lancy’s eyes directly he entered the room was the display of fishing-rods that hung on the opposite wall, and he stepped up at once to examine them.

“That is a fine rod you have there,” he remarked to Maxwell.

“Yes, rather; fishing is my favorite sport.  I have caught a five-pounder with this light one,” and in the discussion of flies, reels, etc., they were fast forgetting that they were utter strangers but two short hours ago.

Presently Maxwell asked, as if it had just occurred to him: 

“Who is this young friend of yours, this Miss Sherwood?  She is very amusing; quite an original, is she not?”

“Well, she is something different from the average young lady, if that is what you mean.  She is an American.”

“Ah!  I thought as much; and your sister’s particular friend, is she?” giving a sly look at Lancy.

“Yes,” not heeding the look, but aware of the hint conveyed in the words.  “My sister’s health is not good, and Miss Sherwood accompanies her to Charlottetown, as she was not willing to go alone.  They have been very intimate ever since Miss Sherwood moved to Halifax.  I am sure they are both well pleased that we did not stay at the hotel, seeing that through your kindness we have secured such comfortable quarters here.”

“Don’t mention it! that appeal to the winds would have moved the hardest heart.  I guess she got a start when I spoke from the window.  Ha, ha!  I fancy I see her yet.  She would make a fine actress.”

“You had better not make that remark to the lady in question.  She would not consider it a compliment, I can tell you,” said Lancy.

“No?  Then what sort of a speech would your Miss Sherwood call complimentary?”

“Better try and find out for yourself,” said Lancy, smiling.  “It has been too hard a thing for me to discover for myself to give it away.”

A few minutes later, hearing the voices of the young ladies in conversation with Mrs. Gleason downstairs, the young men joined them.

But the entrance of the gentlemen seemed to put a bridle on the tongues of the little party, for Dexie was not slow in perceiving that Maxwell was trying to quiz her, and it was very hard to withstand the good-humored banter of this young gentleman.  She stood the teasing as long as she thought necessary, then her ready tongue made Maxwell confess that for once he had met his match, and the laughable occurrence of their first meeting was allowed to drop.  Dexie was well aware that her snubbing was not relished, for Maxwell sat regarding her silently as she conversed in low tones to Elsie, pulling at his moustache with a restless movement that was quite annoying, if he only knew it.