" She indicated
the portable shack.
"That is Mr. Banneker's own place."
"I understand perfectly."
"I don't think it would do, Miss Welland. It is _Miss_ Welland, isn't
it?"
"Yes, indeed. Why wouldn't it do, Miss Van Arsdale?"
"Ask yourself."
"I am quite capable of taking care of myself," returned the girl calmly.
"As for Mr. Banneker, I assume that he is equally competent. And," she
added with a smiling effrontery, "he's quite as much compromised already
as he could possibly be by my staying."
Banneker flushed angrily. "There's no question of my being compromised,"
he began shortly.
"You're wrong, Ban; there is," Miss Van Arsdale's quiet voice cut him
short again. "And still more of Miss Welland's. What sort of escapade
this may be," she added, turning to the girl, "I have no idea. But you
cannot stay here alone."
"Can't I?" retorted the other mutinously. "I think that rests with Mr.
Banneker to say. Will you turn me out, Mr. Banneker? After our
agreement?"
"No," said Banneker.
"You can hardly kidnap me, even with all the conventionalities on your
side," Miss Welland pointed out to Miss Van Arsdale.
That lady made no answer to the taunt. She was looking at the
station-agent with a humorously expectant regard.
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