Mr. Tom believed her, but he did not know at this stage of the proceedings what it would be wise to say.  He was also fully aware that if he said the wrong thing it would be very bad, indeed.

“Now, you see,” said she, “there is another reason why I should marry as soon as possible.  In my case most girls would take up some pursuit which would make them independent, but I don’t like business.  I want to be at the head of a household; and, what is more, I want to have something to do—­I mean a great deal to do—­with the selection of a husband.”

The conversation was taking a direction which frightened Mr. Tom.  In the next moment she might be asking advice about the choice of a husband.  It was plain enough that love had nothing to do with the matter, and Mr. Tom did not wish to act the part of a practical-minded Cupid.  “And now let me ask a favor of you,” said he.  “Won’t you give me time to think over this matter a little?”

“That is exactly what I say to my suitors,” said Olive, smiling.

Mr. Tom smiled also.  “But won’t you promise me not to do anything definite until I see you again?” he asked earnestly.

“That is not very unlike what some of my suitors say to me,” she replied.  “But I will promise you that when you see me again I shall still be heart-free.”

“There can be no doubt of that,” Mr. Tom said to himself as they arose to leave the garden.  “And, my young woman, you may deny being a flirt, but you permitted the addresses of two young men before you were upset by your father’s letter.  But I think I like flirts.  At any rate, I can not help liking her, and I believe she has got a heart somewhere, and will find it some day.”

When Mr. Tom returned to the house he did not find his wife, for that lady was occupied somewhere in entertaining her guests.  Now, although it might have been considered his duty to go and help her in her hospitable work, he very much preferred to attend to the business which she had sent for him to do.  And walking to the stables, he was soon mounted on a good horse, and riding away southward on the smooth gray turnpike.

CHAPTER XXV

The Captain and Mr. Tom.

Captain Asher was standing at the door of the tollhouse when he saw Mr. Easterfield approaching.  He recognized him, although he had had but one brief interview with him one day at the toll-gate some time before.  Mr. Easterfield was a man absorbed in business, and the first summer Mrs. Easterfield was at Broadstone he was in Europe engaged in large and important affairs, and had not been at the summer home at all.  And so far this summer, he had been there but once before, and then for only a couple of days.  Now, as the captain saw the gentleman coming toward the toll-gate he had no reason for supposing that he would not go through it.  Nevertheless, his mind was disturbed.  Any one coming from Broadstone disturbed his mind.  He had not quite decided whether or not to ask any questions concerning the late members of his household, when the horseman stopped at the gate, and handed him the toll.