'From Allan!' exclaimed one or two voices.
'Stating that he would leave by dawn this morning to take the train for the south, and might be absent some time, and this without further explanation.'
'How odd—how unlike him!' exclaimed Lady Aberfeldie. 'Do you know of any business engagement or invitation he had?'
'No—I know of nothing.'
'Or you, Olive—or you, Mr. Cameron?'
All professed ignorance, and the matter was canvassed by the family circle in vain.
'It will be explained, of course. Allan never acts without reason,' said his father, addressing himself to the morning meal.
'Allan gone—how odd—how unaccountable!' was the thought of Olive, whose heart rather reproached her; and now, for a little time, she missed the handsome cousin whom she had so teased, worried, and mortified; and she began to dread that he had resigned his leave of absence, and gone abruptly to rejoin his regiment.
'Olive,' said Lady Aberfeldie, 'do go on with your breakfast.'
'Oh, auntie, I have finished.'