"There's no particular reason—just now. We've been speaking of—of—a—certain changes—But it's too soon—"
"Of course, sir, I don't want to urge my private wishes against—"
"Quite so; quite so; I understand that. A—a—private wishes, you say?"
"Yes, sir; entirely private."
The gray-blue eyes rested on him in a gaze meant to be uninquisitive and non-committal, but which, as a matter of fact, expressed something from which Strange turned his own glance away.
"Very well; I'd go," the old man said, quietly.
Strange left his cards that afternoon at the house just when he knew Mrs. Jarrott would be resting and Miss Jarrott driving with Miss Colfax. At seven he took the night boat up the Plata to the Parana.
XI
"Evie, what do you think made Mr. Strange rush away like that? Your uncle says he didn't have to—that he might just as well have stayed in town."
"I'm sure I don't know," was Evie's truthful response, as she flitted about the dining-room table arranging the flowers before luncheon.