Page:George Weston--The apple-tree girl.djvu/168

 Neil came in at the same moment to say he was ready.

"He'll think my frown was meant for him," thought Charlotte, her heart sinking again. "Oh dear, how can I let him know?"

They started in silence, except for the noise which the Little Rattler made, and presently, leaving the town behind, they turned west for Marlin Mills.

"I can't say anything," thought Charlotte, "because he might not take it right, and then I'd feel humiliated all the rest of my life. Perhaps—if I sat a little closer"

So she sat a little closer, which required more downright courage on Charlotte's part than the whole game which she had played with Lady Salisbury.

But nothing happened. The Little Rattler roared away as unconcernedly as ever, and Neil kept his eyes fixed on the ruts and turns ahead.