But Dan? How was it Dan did not turn up at the White House? Philip dreaded his coming, but he resented his absence. If he had been in Dan’s shoes he would have been again at the White House before now!
It was strange, too, that Dan was never mentioned by Alvin. Once or twice Philip had mentioned Dan to Alvin in hopes that he would say something about the engagement. Philip wanted to know if Miss Le Breton was happy about it, but he could not ask a direct question.
At last a letter came from Dan. He wrote from Nice, where he said he had installed his mother and aunt for the winter. He said he had been seedy himself. But not one word of the Madonna! Could it be possible?—no, he dared not think of it! Yet, would not Dan speak of his happiness if Miss Le Breton had accepted him?
It was a dull November morning when Philip got Dan’s letter. He could not rest, so he told Davis to get Soda out, deciding to ride in to Hastings.
As he was starting, Alvin rode up alone. He too was riding into Hastings, and hailed the chance of Philip’s company.
“I heard from Dan Webster to-day,” Philip said, as they rode side by side. He glanced at the Colonial furtively to see the effect of the announcement.
“Poor Webster!” muttered Alvin.
Philip’s heart bounded. “Poor Webster!”—why did Alvin say poor Webster?
“He was pretty hard hit, poor devil!” went on Alvin. “I blundered too. I thought my niece cared for him.”
Philip took off his cap and mopped his brow.