But I did not notice that Isabel
devoted herself at all seriously to looking out of the window.
CHAPTER XXVII.
"He tells me," said Miss Callis, "that you are to give him his answer at
Cologne."
"Does he, indeed?" said I. We were floating down the Rhine in the
society of our friends, two hundred and fifty other floaters, and a
string band. We had left the battlements of Bingen, and the Mouse Tower
was in sight. As we had already acquired the legend, and were sitting
behind the smoke stack, there was no reason why we should not discuss
Mr. Mafferton.
"I suppose he does not, by any chance, mention an alternative lady," I
said carelessly.
"I don't know," said Miss Callis, "that I should be disposed to listen
to him if he did. He would have to put it in some other light."
"Why should you object?" I asked. "Isabel is quite a proper person to
marry him. Much more so, I often think, than I."
"Oh!" said Miss Callis without meaning to. "I think he has outgrown that
taste. In fact, he told me so."
"He is for ever seeking a fresh bosom for a confidence!" I cried.
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