Gentlemen, I am to be found at Hurricane Hall, and I
have the honor of wishing you a more improving subject of
conversation, and--a very good afternoon," said John Stone, bowing
and leaving the room.
He immediately called for his horse and rode home.
In crossing the thicket of woods between the river and the rising
ground in front of Hurricane Hall, he overtook Capitola, who, as we
have said, had been out alone with her gun and dog, and was now
returning home with her game bag well laden.
Now, as John Stone looked at Capitola, with her reckless, free and
joyous air, he thought she was just the sort of girl, unconsciously,
to get herself and friends into trouble. And he thought it best to
give her a hint to put an abrupt period to her acquaintance, if she
had even he slightest, with the heir apparent of the Hidden House.
While still hesitating how to begin the conversation, he came up
with the young girl, dismounted, and, leading his horse, walked by
her side, asking carelessly:
"What have you bagged, Cap?"
"Some partridges! Oh, you should have been out with me and
Sweetlips! We've had such sport! But, anyhow, you shall enjoy your
share of the spoils! Come home and you shall have some of these
partridges broiled for supper, with currant sauce--a dish of my own
invention for uncle's sake, you know! He's such a gourmand!"
"Thank you, yes--I am on my way home now.
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