"They are. They are resting in at least an inch of water," she said
coldly. "But that isn't answering my question. Did you pay my father
anything in advance?"

The professor fidgeted.

"A small payment in advance is not very unusual," he offered.
"Especially if one's prospective host is anxious to add a few little
unaccustomed luxuries--"

"Yes, yes," she interrupted rudely. "I recognize the phrase!"
Without looking up he felt her wrathful gaze upon his face. "It
means that father has simply done you brown. Oh, well, it's your own
fault. You're old enough to know your way about. And the luxuries
you will enjoy at our place will certainly be unaccustomed ones.
Didn't you even ask for references?"

Her tone irritated the professor unaccountably.

"Are we nearly there?" he asked, disdaining to answer. "I am
extremely cold."

"You will have a nice climb to warm you," she told him grimly, "all
up hill!"

"'A verdant slope,'" quoted the professor sweetly, "'rising gently
from salt water toward snowclad peaks, which, far away,--'" They
caught each other's eyes and laughed.