"Why, certainly, my dear," he said. "But I under stood that your aunt was to send for you this afternoon from Bellegarde."
Virginia shook her head. There is something I wis to do in town."
"I'll drive her in, Pa," said Jack. "You're too old. Will you go with me,
Jinny?"
"Of course, Jack."
"But you must eat some breakfast, Jinny," said Mrs Brinsmade, glancing anxiously at the girl.
Mr. Brinsmade put down his newspaper.
"Where was Stephen Brice last night, Jack?" he asked. "I understood Anne to say that he had spoke; of coming late."
"Why, sir," said Jack, "that's what we can't make out. Tom Catherwood, who is always doing queer things, you know, went to a Black Republican meeting last night, and met Stephen there. They came out in Tom's buggy to the Russells', and Tom got into his clothes first and rode over. Stephen was to have followed on Puss Russell's horse. But he never got here. At least I can find no one who saw him. Did you, Jinny?"
But Virginia did not raise her eyes from her plate. A miraculous intervention came through Mrs. Brinsmade.
"There might have been an accident, Jack," said that lady, with concern.
"Send Nicodemus over to Mrs. Russell's at once to inquire. You know that
Mr. Brice is a Northerner, and may not be able to ride."