The tone, as well as the look that accompanied this remark, affected Belhaven almost as agreeably as a sudden attack by obnoxious insects.
"Where did you suppose I was going?" he retorted, his face flushing darkly with anger.
But Astry took no notice of this reply.
"Tell Rachel that we sail day after to-morrow. I've wired for staterooms on the 'Marianna.' Some one failed at the last moment and we got them."
Belhaven was sufficiently startled to answer more rationally. "Rather sudden, isn't it? I thought you were going to Lenox."
Astry resumed his erect position and gathered up the reins. "Eva simply went to pieces this morning," he said, meeting the other man's look with a direct cold stare, "collapsed and begged me to take her away at once."
"She looked perfectly well when I saw her last," Belhaven exclaimed, in open surprise.
"Well, she isn't now; the doctor's just ordered a sea voyage. Tell Rachel I said so."
"Extremely sorry, I'm sure," Belhaven stammered slightly, digging his stick in the dirt.
But Astry merely nodded and drove on, his beautiful horse, already restive at the delay, sweeping down hill and away at a rate of speed that would have to be moderated at the city limits.