In this he succeeded so well that by the time they had remounted, after crossing the Nile, Mr. Damer opened his heart to his companion on the subject that was troubling him, and told him all about Miss Dawkins. “I don’t see why we should have a companion that we don’t like for eight or ten weeks, merely because it seems rude to refuse a lady.” “Indeed, I agree with you,” said Mr. Ingram; “I should call it weak-minded to give way in such a case.” “My daughter does not like her at all,” continued Mr. Damer. “Nor would she be a nice companion for Miss Damer; not according to my way of thinking,” said Mr. Ingram. “And as to my having asked her, or Mrs. Damer having asked her! Why, God bless my soul, it is pure invention on the woman’s part!” “Ha! ha! ha!” laughed Mr. Ingram; “I must say she plays her game well; but then she is an old soldier, and has the benefit of experience.” What would Miss Dawkins have said had she known that Mr. Ingram called her an old soldier? “I don’t like the kind of thing at all,” said Mr. Damer, who was very serious upon the subject. “You see the position in which I am placed. I am forced to be very rude, or—” “I don’t call it rude at all.” “Disobliging, then; or else I must have all my comfort invaded and pleasure destroyed by, by, by—” And Mr. Damer paused, being at a loss for an appropriate name for Miss Dawkins. “By an unprotected female,” suggested Mr. Ingram. “Yes, just so. I am as fond of pleasant company as anybody; but then I like to choose it myself.” “So do I,” said Mr. Ingram, thinking of his own choice. “Now, Ingram, if you would join us, we should be delighted.” “Upon my word, sir, the offer is too flattering,” said Ingram, hesitatingly; for he felt that he could not undertake such a journey until Mr. Damer knew on what terms he stood with Fanny. “You are a terrible democrat,” said Mr. Damer, laughing; “but then, on that matter, you know, we could agree to differ.” “Exactly so,” said Mr. Ingram, who had not collected his thoughts or made up his mind as to what he had better say and do, on the spur of the moment. “Well, what do you say to it?” said Mr. Damer, encouragingly. But Ingram paused before he answered. “For Heaven’s sake, my dear fellow, don’t have the slightest hesitation in refusing, if you don’t like the plan.” “The fact is, Mr. Damer, I should like it too well.” “Like it too well?” “Yes, sir, and I may as well tell you now as later. I had intended this evening to have asked for your permission to address your daughter.” “God bless my soul!” said Mr. Damer, looking as though a totally new idea had now been opened to him. “And under these circumstances, I will now wait and see whether or no you will renew your offer.”