I risked everything in my usual venturesome way, and asked if she would show me where the place was, in case I called the next morning with my fishing-rod.

She looked dutifully at her father.

He smiled and nodded.
Inestimable parent! On rising to take leave, I was rather curious to know whether he would offer me a bed in the house, or not.

He detected the direction of my thoughts in my face and manner, and apologized for not having a bed to offer me; every spare room in the house being occupied by his chemical assistants, and by the lumber of laboratories.

Even while he was speaking those few words, Alicia's face changed just as I had seen it change at our first interview.