Sitting in third class, the last train car, Meg and David were lifted off their seats as the engineer made good time roaring down the tracks. The dogs stood with each bump and flopped with audible thumps during smooth sections.
“I hope we live to reach Belfast. The fella driving must want to get to his pub,” quipped David.
“He’s slowing. What’s the next call?”
He peered out the window. “Ballymena.” He turned to his sister. “It’s started to rain. We had a good day ahead of it. So, how is your new friend?”
“She’s, em, difficult. Interesting, bright … educated.”
“Bossy?”
Meg laughed. “You could say that. I should have fended her off us. I’m sorry. But she seemed to like me, which is more than I can say for her mother.”
“Why wouldn’t her mother like a presentable young woman like yourse
