'Will too probably be the same,' replied Olive, wrenching away her hands, as steps were heard near, and she hastily re-entered the house.
The footsteps heard were those of Allan, who came leisurely up the flight, a broad and stately one, which led to the terrace. He had, while proceeding down the avenue, observed the pair together, and, as it seemed to him, in rather too close proximity. He also remarked Olive's abrupt departure, at his approach as he supposed, and his soul become ireful within him; but he felt himself, as he gave a hand to Holcroft, compelled to dissemble.
So did the latter who met him smilingly.
'Welcome home to Dundargue,' he exclaimed; 'you have come back as unexpectedly as you went; but whither?'
'Only as far as Edinburgh.'
'Ah.' The reply seemed rather to relieve Holcroft. Nothing was known about him there, he thought.
'A lady was on the terrace with you just now?'
'Yes—Miss Raymond.'
'So I thought—sorry she did not stay.'
'Why—particularly?'