Claude Locker had no opportunity to press his suit before luncheon, for Olive did not come to that meal; she had one of her headaches.  Every one seemed to appreciate the incompleteness of the party, and even Mrs. Easterfield looked serious, which was not usual with her.  Mr. Hemphill was much cast down, for he had made up his mind to talk to Olive in such a way that she should not fail to see that he had taken to heart her advice, and might be depended upon to deport himself toward her as if he had never heard the words she had addressed to him.  He had prepared several topics for conversation, but as he would not waste these upon the general company, he indulged only in such remarks as were necessary to good manners.

Mr. Du Brant talked a good deal in a perfunctory manner, but inwardly he was somewhat elated.  “Her emotions must have been excited more than I supposed,” he thought.  “That is not a bad sign.”

Mrs. Fox was a little bit—­a very little bit—­annoyed because Mr. Fox did not make as many facetious remarks as was his custom.  He seemed like one who, in a degree, felt that he lacked an audience; Mrs. Fox could see no good reason for this.

When Mrs. Easterfield went up to Olive’s room she found her bathing her eyes in cold water.

“Will you lend me a bicycle” said Olive.  “I am sure you have one.”

Mrs. Easterfield looked at her in amazement.

“I want to go to my uncle,” said Olive.  “He is now all I have left in this world.  I have been thinking, and thinking about everything, and I want to go to him.  Whatever has come between us will vanish as soon as he sees me, I am sure of that.  I do not know why he did not want me to come back to him, but he will want me now, and I should like to start immediately without anybody seeing me.”

“But a bicycle!” exclaimed Mrs. Easterfield.  “You can’t go that way.  I will send you in the carriage.”

“No, no, no,” cried Olive; “I want to go quietly.  I want to go so that I can leave my wheel at the door and go right in.  I have a short walking-skirt, and I can wear that.  Please let me have the bicycle.”

Mrs. Easterfield made Olive sit down and she talked to her, but there was no changing the girl’s determination to go to her uncle, to go alone, and to go immediately.

CHAPTER XV

Olive’s Bicycle Trip.

Despite Olive’s desire to set forth immediately on her bicycle trip, it was past the middle of the afternoon when she left Broadstone.  She went out quietly, not by the usual driveway, and was soon upon the turnpike road.  As she sped along the cool air upon her face refreshed her; and the knowledge that she was so rapidly approaching the dear old toll-gate, where, even if she did not find her uncle at the house, she could sit with old Jane until he came back, gave her strength and courage.