The tears would come. She rose, crossed the room and stood before a painting, with her back to her uncle, who at that instant seemed wholly absorbed in a business letter which he held in his hand.
Recovering herself, she came back to the table.
Mr. Dinsmore looked up.
"I think we must have a ride to-morrow morning, Milly, you and Adelaide and I, shall it be at nine o'clock?"
Her eyes grew bright and her cheeks flushed with pleasure. She was very fond of riding on horseback.
"I shall be delighted to go, uncle," she said, "and can be ready at any hour that may suit you best."
He considered a moment.
"I should not be surprised if you and Adie find yourselves inclined to take a long morning nap after your journey," he said. "We will say directly after breakfast, which will not be earlier than nine. Now I see you are wanting to retire; so bid me good night and away with you to slumbers sweet," and with a fatherly kiss he dismissed her.
Mildred's room was bright, warm and cheery as she had left it. Rachel was not there; and the trunks had vanished also, but the opening of wardrobe doors and bureau drawers showed their contents neatly bestowed therein.