Rosa's badinage gallantly, tossing back sprightly and telling
rejoinders that called forth the smiling applause of the auditors,
and commanded her respectful recognition of him as a foeman worthy
of her steel.

"Nine o'clock," said Winston, at length, consulting his watch, and
pushing back his chair. "The carriage will be at the door in fifteen
minutes, Mr. Chilton. The road is heavy this morning, and the stage
passes the village at ten."

"I shall be ready," responded Frederic. "I am sorry your carriage
and coachman must be exposed to the rain."

"That is nothing. They are used to it. I never alter my plan of
travel on account of the weather, how ever severe the storm. This
warm rain can hurt nobody."

"It is pouring hard," remarked Mrs. Button, solicitously. "And that
stage is wretchedly uncomfortable in the best weather. I wish you
could be persuaded to stay with us until it clears off, Mr. Chilton,
and"--making a bold push--"I am sure my nephew concurs in my
desire."

"Mr. Chilton should require no verbal assurance of my hospitable
feelings toward him and my other guests," said Mr. Aylett,
frigidly--smooth as ice-cream. "If I forbear to press him to prolong
his stay, it is in reflection of the golden law laid down for the
direction of hosts--'Welcome the coming, speed the parting guest.'"

"You are both very kind, but I must go," Frederic replied, concisely