Volume I Part 55 (2/2)
”Yes, there is ? behind that piece of wood. Look over it; don't you see a light curl of blue smoke against the sky? ? We never pa.s.sed that house and wood, I am certain. We ought to make haste, for the afternoons are short now, and you will please to recollect there is n.o.body at home to get tea.”
”I hope Lucas will get upon one of his everlasting talks with father,” said Hugh.
”And that it will hold till we get home,” said Fleda. ”It will be the happiest use Lucas has made of his tongue in a good while.”
Just as they stopped before a substantial-looking farm-house, a man came from the other way and stopped there too, with his hand upon the gate.
”How far are we from Queechy, Sir?” said Hugh.
”You're not from it at all, Sir,” said the man, politely.
”You're in Queechy, Sir, at present.”
”Is this the right road from Montepoole to Queechy village?”
”It is not, Sir. It is a very tortuous direction, indeed. Have I not the pleasure of speaking to Mr. Rossitur's young gentleman?”
Mr. Rossitur's young gentleman acknowledged his relations.h.i.+p, and begged the favour of being set in the right way home.
”With much pleasure! You have been showing Miss Rossitur the picturesque country about Montepoole?”
”My cousin and I have been there on business, and lost our way coming back.”
”Ah, I dare say! Very easy. First time you have been there?”
”Yes, Sir; and we are in a hurry to get home.”
”Well, Sir ? you know the road by Deacon Patterson's? ? comes out just above the lake.”
Hugh did not remember.
”Well ? you keep this road straight on, ? I'm sorry you are in a hurry, ? you keep on till ? do you know when you strike Mr.
Harris's ground?”
No, Hugh knew nothing about it, nor Fleda.
”Well, I'll tell you now how it is,” said the stranger, ”if you'll permit me. You and your ? a ? cousin ? come in and do us the pleasure of taking some refreshment. I know my sister 'll have her table set out by this time ? and I'll do myself the honour of introducing you to ? a ? these strange roads, afterwards.”
”Thank you, Sir, but that trouble is unnecessary ? cannot you direct us?”
”No trouble ? indeed, Sir, I a.s.sure you, I should esteem it a favour ? very highly. I ? I am Dr. Quackenboss, Sir; you may have heard ?”
”Thank you, Dr. Quackenboss, but we have no time this afternoon ? we are very anxious to reach home as soon as possible, if you would be so good as to put us in the way.”
”I ? really, Sir, I am afraid ? to a person ignorant of the various localities ? you will lose no time ? I will just hitch your horse here, and I'll have mine ready by the time this young lady has rested. Miss ? a ? wont you join with me? I a.s.sure you I will not put you to the expense of a minute.
Thank you, Mr. Harden! ? just clap the saddle on to Lollypop, and have him up here in three seconds. Thank you! ? My dear Miss ? a ? wont you take my arm? I am gratified, I a.s.sure you.”
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