“Oh, they are all gone down to the drawing room. Prout was mistaken in thinking that they were not there. But, papa, I am not sorry! Bad news will keep; because being already spoiled, it cannot spoil any more. And now we must hurry and dress, or the porridge will be cold—I mean dinner will be kept waiting,” and saying this, Wynnette caught up her hat and duster, and, followed by Gipsy, passed into her own room, which she occupied jointly with Odalite.
Mr. Force used such dispatch in dressing that he was the first one of the three returning travelers who entered the drawing room.
He found no one present but Mrs. Force, Odalite, Elva and Rosemary.
Mrs. Force hurried to meet him, while Odalite stood pale and waiting, and the two younger girls looked eagerly expectant.
“What news? What news?” anxiously inquired the lady. “Prout has just told us of your return! What news? Oh, why don’t you answer, Abel?”
“My dear, because I have no good news to tell you,” he gravely replied.
Mrs. Force let go the hand she had seized and sank down upon the nearest sofa.
Odalite turned away and bowed her head upon her hands.
Rosemary and Elva were both too much awed by the grief of their elders even to come forward and greet the returned father and friend.
Nor did Mr. Force even observe the omission. His mind was absorbed by thoughts of his daughter’s distress.