the wrong passengers on this car. I'd take a pleasure in it. If you
could make sure of any berth that _ain't_ the one, I'll begin on that.

MRS. ROBERTS. I can't even be sure of the wrong one. No, no; you
mustn't--[THE CALIFORNIAN moves away, and pauses in front of one of the
berths, looking back inquiringly at MRS. ROBERTS.] Oh, don't ask _me_!
_I_ can't tell. [To CAMPBELL.] _Isn't_ he amusing? So like all those
Californians that one reads of--so chivalrous and _so_ humorous!

AUNT MARY (thrusting her head from the curtains of the berth before which
THE CALIFORNIAN is standing). Go along with you! What do you want?

THE CALIFORNIAN. Aunt Mary.

AUNT MARY. Go away. Aunt Mary, indeed!

MRS. ROBERTS (running toward her, followed by CAMPBELL and MR. ROBERTS).
Why, Aunt Mary, it _is_ you! And here's Willis, and here's Edward.

AUNT MARY. Nonsense! How did they get aboard?

MRS. ROBERTS. Edward came on at Worcester and Willis at Framingham, to
surprise me.

AUNT MARY. And a very silly performance. Let them wait till I'm
dressed, and then I'll talk to them. Send for the porter. [She
withdraws her head behind the curtain, and then thrusts it out again.]
And who, pray, may _this_ be?

[She indicates THE CALIFORNIAN.]