"No, I don't think he did," said Sidney, stifling a sigh. "I almost wish he had. I don't think his eyes will ever be opened."
"I shouldn't like to tell you of the jeers and jibes she has flung at his courting. But she may pull it off with him. And I say, do befriend that poor girl; she does have a time of it."
"Do you mean Gavine?"
"Yes, I put my foot in it several times trying to stand up for her. Don't think I'm a broken-hearted youth, Sid. I tell you, I rode by the cottage on purpose to-day, and whistled merrily. But all the same, I shall be glad to turn my back on this place for a time."
When they parted, Sidney looked at him gravely.
"Austin, you ought to be thankful to have had your eyes opened. She never would have made you happy."
But when she got indoors she said to herself:
"And now I feel that Uncle Ted is doomed. She will not let him escape her."
And that feeling hovered about her like an angry looming cloud. The more cheerful her uncle became, the more anxious she was. The uncertain future seemed to menace her. It needed all her faith and fortitude to go about with a bright and smiling face.
About the same time Monica had a visit from Mrs. Norman. She was the first to inform her that Austin was leaving home for a time.