The steamboat left an hour ago." "If I had only known this then!" ejaculated Mrs.Tucker.
"I knew it, but you had company then," said Poindexter, with ironical gallantry, "and I wouldn't disturb you." Without saying how he knew it, he continued, "In the stage-coach you might be recognized.

You must go in a private conveyance and alone; even I can not go with you, for I must go on before and meet you there.

Can you drive forty miles ?" Mrs.Tucker lifted up her abstracted pretty lids.

"I once drove fifty--at home," she returned simply.
"Good! and I dare say you did it then for fun.

Do it now for something real and personal, as we lawyers say.