“I believe so.”
“He ought to be in by this time.”
“Probably he went to walk with some of his companions. As he had no watch, he might not know that it is so late.”
This seemed very plausible to Mr. Reynolds.
“Yes,” he said; “Herbert seems lost without Grant. He will be glad to see him back.”
To this Mrs. Estabrook did not reply. She had learned, to her cost, that it would not be politic to speak against Grant, and she was not disposed to praise him. She seldom mentioned him at all.
The dinner bell rang, and still Herbert had not returned. His father began to feel anxious.
“It is strange that Herbert remains so long away,” he said.
“I shouldn't wonder if he had gone to Central Park on some excursion,” returned the housekeeper calmly.
“You think there is nothing wrong?” asked the broker, anxiously.