"That will hardly explain it. Such disappointments rarely, if ever,
occur," was replied to this.

"Did you say anything to them, Mr. Craig?"

"My wife did, but received only a gruff response from the general.
Mrs. Abercrombie made no reply, but, went hastily after her husband.
There was something unusual in the manner of both."

While this conversation was going on General Abercrombie and his
wife stood in the hall, she trying, but in vain, to persuade him not
to go out. He said but little, answering her kindly, but with a
marked decision of manner. Mrs. Abercrombie went up slowly to their
room after he left her, walking as one who carried a heavy load. She
looked ten years older than on the day previous.

No one saw her during the morning. At dinner-time their places were
vacant at the table.

"Where are the general and his wife?" was asked as time passed and
they did not make their appearance.

No one had seen either of them since breakfast.

Mrs. Craig knew that Mrs. Abercrombie had not been out of her room
all the morning, but she did not feel inclined to take part in the
conversation, and so said nothing.

"I saw the general going into the Clarendon about two o'clock," said
a gentleman. "He's dining with some friend, most probably."