On the way home, moreover, he never once forged ahead, but was always ready with a hand for Mrs.Lascelles at the awkward places; and on the way through the woods, nothing would serve him but that I should set the pace, that we might all keep together.

Judge therefore of my surprise when he came to my room, as I was dressing for the absurdly early dinner which is the one blot upon Riffel Alp arrangements, with the startling remark that we "might as well run straight with one another." "By all means, my dear fellow," said I, turning to him with the lather on my chin.

He was dressed already, as perfectly as usual, and his hands were in his pockets.

But his fresh brown face was as grave as any judge's, and his mouth as stern.

I went on to ask, disingenuously enough, if we had not been "running straight with each other" as it was.
"Not quite," said Bob Evers, dryly; "and we might as well, you know!" "To be sure; but don't mind if I go on shaving, and pray speak for yourself." "I will," he rejoined.