"
We all turned and stared at Plinny.
CHAPTER XXI.
IN WHICH PLINNY SURPRISES EVERYONE.
Everybody stared; and this had the effect of making the dear good
creature blush to the eyes.
"I beg your pardon, ma'am?" said Mr. Jack Rogers.
"It--it was not for me to say so, perhaps." Her voice quavered a
little, and now a pair of bright tears trembled on her lashes; but
she kept up her chin bravely and seemed to take courage as she went
on. "I am aware, sir, that in all matters of hazard and enterprise
it is for the gentlemen to take the lead. If I appear forward--if I
speak too impulsively--my affection for Harry must be my excuse."
Mr. Rogers stared at Captain Branscome, and from Captain Branscome to
Mr. Goodfellow, but their faces did not help him.
"That's all very well, ma'am, but an expedition to the other end of
the world--if that's what you suggest?--at a moment's notice--on
what, as like or not, may turn out to be a wild-goose chase--Lord
bless my soul!" wound up Mr. Rogers incoherently, falling back in his
chair.
"I was not proposing to start at a moment's notice," replied Plinny,
with extreme simplicity. "There will, of course, be many details to
arrange; and I do not forget that we are in the house of mourning.
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