Hickson supposed that by starting early he could secure Christine's
company. So he at once asked her what she was going to do, and before
she had time to answer he had suggested that she skate, take a walk,
or go sleighing with him. Ussher explained that the skating was
spoiled, and Christine under cover of this diversion managed to avoid
committing herself.

As a matter of fact her afternoon was arranged. She had told Laura Ussher
a pathetic story of having to go over to her father's house, and look up
an old fur coat of his which had been left behind when the house was shut
for the winter. Mr. Fenimer was known to be rather an irritable parent
where questions of his own comfort were concerned; it was not impossible
that he would make himself disagreeable if his orders were not carried
out. Laura did not inquire very closely, but she agreed that the best way
for Christine to traverse the distance would be for Riatt to drive her
over in the cutter. Riatt sat next to Laura at luncheon, and she put it
to him, when the general conversation was loudest.

"Would you mind awfully driving poor little Christine over to her own
place to get something or other for that horrid father of hers?"

Of course Riatt didn't say he did mind; as a matter of fact he didn't. He
might even have enjoyed the prospect, if it hadn't been for the slight
hint of compulsion about it.

"It's snowing, you know," he said.

"It doesn't amount to anything," answered his cousin. "But surely, Max,
you're not afraid of a little snow, if she isn't!"