He was evidently entirely out of sorts, and Editha knew it would be better to let the matter drop, but she could not resist one more little shaft. “I thought you liked me to receive Mr. Tressalia’s attentions,” she said, innocently. “So I did once, but circumstances alter cases sometimes; and—we will not discuss Mr. Tressalia further, if you please.” He was undeniably cross, and she was glad to escape to her room as soon as they reached the hotel, while she was inwardly rejoicing at the prospect of having Madam Sylvester’s companionship for awhile at least. Madam stood and watched her as she left them and moved away with her father. Her face was very sad and her voice trembled slightly as, turning to her brother, she asked: “Of whom does she remind you, Gustave?” “Of no one in particular,” he returned, indifferently. “Not of——” and she bent forward and whispered the rest of the sentence in his ear. “No, not if my memory serves me right,” he said, shaking his head; “and yet,” he added, “there _may_ be an expression about the eyes that is familiar. I had not thought of it before.” “Gustave, her name is Editha,” madam said, in a low voice, her face very pale, and with an eager look into her brother’s face. “There are doubtless a thousand Edithas in the world; do not allow yourself to become imaginative at this late day, Estelle,” he returned; and, dropping the matter there, madam signified her readiness to return to the hotel also. CHAPTER XL ADIEU TO SARATOGA Editha had told her maid that she need not sit up for her, as it would doubtless be very late when she returned from the park; but she almost regretted that she had done so, for, on reaching her room, and with the false strength which excitement gives gone, she found herself very weak and weary. She sank listlessly into a chair and began removing her ornaments, and while thus engaged there came a knock upon her door. Almost simultaneously it was opened, for she had not locked it, and Mr. Dalton thrust in his head. “Where is Annie?” he asked. “In bed, papa. I told her she need not wait for me. Do you want anything very particularly?” “I want to see you,” he replied, coming in and shutting the door. “I am sorry it is so late. I wish we had come home earlier. I have had bad news. I have important business, that calls me home immediately,” he concluded, speaking disconnectedly and excitedly. “Home?” exclaimed Editha, greatly surprised, and feeling deeply disappointed, for, of course, she knew he would expect her to go with him. Besides, she could not bear the thought of leaving so soon after Madam Sylvester’s arrival. “Yes; we must start by six to-morrow morning. Can you be ready?” “So soon?” she said, with a weary sigh. “Yes; I must go immediately. If there was a train in an hour, and we could get ready, I would take it,” he answered, excitedly.