ride in big carriage. He no walk!" at which resentful
Andy gave him a sounding slap that promptly ended his comments.

CHAPTER XXI.

FRIENDS ASHORE.

As the Hosmers returned to the hotel, each noted a handsome carriage
before the door, with liveried outriders, and while themselves
alighting young Allyne and his friend, Mr. Donelson, came down the
steps to reach it, but, seeing our party, made haste to intercept them.

"We've just been to call on you," cried the former, his face radiant at
the fortunate meeting, "and were about departing utterly crestfallen.
Do you notice our style?" with a merry glance at the grand equipage.

"Notice it! It fills all the horizon," laughed Hope, with reddening
cheeks. "We supposed that the Governor-General, at the very least, had
come to bid us welcome, and inquire after our health. Of course we
could not admit the idea that he had come here for any other purpose."

"Well, we may not be the Governor-General--who, by the way, might not
feel like a journey from Calcutta just for a friendly call even upon
two charming young ladies," observed Mr. Donelson, "but I haven't a
doubt you'll find us quite as interesting!"

"And a great deal younger," added Allyne suggestively.

"Oh! such conceit," cried Faith, as they bubbled over with laughter.

"And we're much obliged for your valuable information," added Hope,
rather taken aback at her own blunder.

"About the location of the Residency, or our relative ages?" asked
Allyne.

"We make no charge for either!" continued Donelson, airily.

"Better come back inside then, gentlemen," proposed the captain. "It's
a bit warm here."

But they felt they must get back for dinner, now, though it evidently
cost Allyne something to decline.

"We will sometime meet again?" he questioned, as he clasped Hope's hand
and looked beseechingly into her eyes.

"Possibly," she returned, flushing slightly, then with a mischievous
glance, "But are you certain which of us you are speaking to? Have you
learned to distinguish us yet?"

"I have--perfectly!" was the tart response. "When the rose gives me a
taste of its thorns it is you; Miss Faith is never sarcastic."

"Indeed!"

"But,"--quickly--"I like thorns! They give zest to the loveliest rose."

"Come," admonished her father in a dry tone, "this glare and glitter
will give you a headache. It isn't healthy."

The girls somewhat slowly followed him in. The young men rode away.
In th