“The most beautiful woods in England--Pangbourne Woods. We shall arrive in Reading about a quarter to ten. We'll walk down to the river, or drive if you like; it is only a few minutes to walk to the boat-house. My boat is there--such a beauty! We'll row up to the--and that reminds me, I ordered the luncheon basket at the best place in London, you know; it was to have been at my place last night at eight o'clock, and they never sent it. We shall have to lunch at the hotel. Such a beautiful hotel, high up, overlooking the river; I hope you are not disappointed, it really wasn't my fault. We shall have an excellent lunch, I assure you, at the hotel.”
The miles fled away, and in the comfort and speed of the broad gaugeline, an hour and a half seemed to them like a minute.
“What kind of town is Reading?” said Lizzie, springing from the carriage.
“Not much more than a biscuit manufactory. A lot of red brick pill-box looking buildings scattered over a flat piece of ground. We shan't see the town. It is a mile from here. Huntley and Palmer, you know--”
“Catch hold of this rug while I get the tickets out. Shall we walk or drive?”
They stepped along gaily, and they were soon standing on the wharf, Frank criticising the boats and the rowing, Lizzie all white in the sunlight, a little dumbfounded and astonished. Then he turned into the boat-house, and reappeared soon after, his arms bare, the sun on his neck.
“I suppose a lot of people wanted to have her, they all went for her, I'll bet.”
“Yes, sir, a good many gentlemen asked if they could have her.”
It seemed to please Frank that he had caused so many to be disappointed. “Well, get her out, we have no time to lose.”
The man stepped from one fleet of skiffs to another, he caught at several boats with his boat-hook, but Frank's boat could not be found. He shouted to his man who was sculling towards an island opposite: “What has become of Mr. Escott's boat? I took her out myself this morning.”
“I should like to know what is the use of my sending you telegrams if I am delayed in this way?”
“Now, then, do be quick, stir yourself, I don't want to stand about here all day.”
The assistant scratched his head. Finally it transpired that that party down the river--that party just gone away--must have had the boat. He didn't know anything about it, it wasn't his fault. They said they had engaged that boat over-night.