That and what the man had told him had its meaning.

He had also noticed that when the latter greeted his comrade there had been a constraint upon both of them, but decided that what it betokened did not concern him.
Returning he found Mrs.Forel waiting for him, and having been born in a Western city her conversation was not marked by English reticence or the restraint which is at least as common in the Canadian bush.
"Dinner is ready, and you will have to talk to me and the railroad man during it," she said.

"I had thought of making you over to Miss Deringham until Commander Thorne turned up.

Jack and he are great friends, but he didn't seem able to get over here, until he heard Miss Deringham was staying with us." Alton laughed a little.

"Now what am I to answer to that?
Miss Deringham was very good to me." The lady fancied that his merriment was a trifle forced.