In this contented frame of mind they lived for several weeks. The
boy grew stronger every day, and finally Thaddeus felt that the
child was well enough to warrant his running back home for a night,
"just to see how things were going." That the girls were faithful,
of course, he did not doubt; the regularity with which letters
addressed to him at home--and they were numerous--reached him
convinced him of that; but the hamper containing the week's wash,
which Ellen and Jane were to send, and which had been expected on
Thursday of the preceding week, had failed for once to arrive; the
boy had worn one dress four days, Thaddeus's collars were getting
low, and altogether he was just a little uneasy about things. So he
availed himself of his opportunity and went home, taking with him a
friend, in consideration of whom he telegraphed ahead to Ellen to
prepare a good breakfast, not caring for dinner, since he and his
companion expected to dine at the club and go to the theatre before
going out to his home.

The result would have been fatal to Bessie's peace of mind had she
heard of it during her absence from home. But Thaddeus never told
her, until it was a matter of ancient history, that when he arrived
at home, a little after midnight, he found the place deserted, and
was compelled to usher his friend in through the parlor window; that
from top to bottom the mansion gave evidence of not having seen a
broom or a dust-brush since the departure of the family; that Jane
had not been seen in the neighborhood for one full week--this came
from those living on adjoining property; that Ellen had been absent
since early that morning, and was not expected to return for three
days; and, crowning act of infamy, that he, Thaddeus, and his friend
were compelled to breakfast next morning upon a half of a custard