"No, I have some sick people to see before I start, but I shall be passing The Homestead at ten o'clock."
"That is well. Buona sera, Signorina."
But Signor Ricordo did not go back to The Homestead. Instead he walked up to the golf links, and spent hours on the great moors beyond. He seemed to be trying to weary himself, for he tramped from peak to peak, not seeming to care whither he was going. It was after midnight when he reached the house, nevertheless he met Olive with a smile the next morning.
"I shall think that the world has libelled your English weather," he said almost gaily, looking up at the blue skies. "And now for the battle. I feel as though to-day will create a new epoch in my life."
Olive answered him by a pleasant laugh, yet she wondered what he meant.
CHAPTER XXV
THE COMING OF WINFIELD
Nothing of importance happened during the golf match on the links. Neither Ricordo nor Olive played their best, and when the eighteenth green was reached both seemed relieved.
"What is the time, signore?" asked Olive.