Damer into a good humour.
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.
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