She had been--in spite of herself--touched by Allan's earnestness, and on retiring to her room her first act was to have his neglected gift--the little silver idol--the bequest of the grateful subadar--duly installed on a pretty Swiss bracket, and next morning she determined to discover why his manner, after their return from Dunsinane, had been so marked and disagreeable to her, even if she should take the initiative, and have to recur to the conversation which ended so abruptly on the preceding evening. She entered the breakfast-room full of the subject, and dressed--so far as lace and blue ribbons went--in a most attractive and coquettish morning costume; but Allan was not there--he was at the stables, no doubt, or at the kennel. How tiresome men were, she thought. 'Good morning, Olive darling! how charming you look--I must positively give you a kiss!' exclaimed the not usually effusive Lady Aberfeldie, touching the girl's cheek with her lips. The last to appear at the breakfast-table was her husband, who entered with a note in his hand, and an expression of surprise on his face. 'Here is a strange thing, Eveline,' said he to Lady Aberfeldie. 'Tappleton has just brought me this note from Allan----' 'From Allan!' exclaimed one or two voices. 'Stating that he would leave by dawn this morning to take the train for the south, and might be absent some time, and this without further explanation.' 'How odd--how unlike him!' exclaimed Lady Aberfeldie. 'Do you know of any business engagement or invitation he had?' 'No--I know of nothing.' 'Or you, Olive--or you, Mr. Cameron?' All professed ignorance, and the matter was canvassed by the family circle in vain. 'It will be explained, of course. Allan never acts without reason,' said his father, addressing himself to the morning meal. 'Allan gone--how odd--how unaccountable!' was the thought of Olive, whose heart rather reproached her; and now, for a little time, she missed the handsome cousin whom she had so teased, worried, and mortified; and she began to dread that he had resigned his leave of absence, and gone abruptly to rejoin his regiment. 'Olive,' said Lady Aberfeldie, 'do go on with your breakfast.' 'Oh, auntie, I have finished.' 'Finished!--child, you have taken nothing: Tappleton will get you a little grouse-pie.' 'Oh, no--thanks,' replied Olive, and, rising from the table, she quitted the room. The eyes of her aunt and Holcroft followed her, as each had thoughts of their own. The love the latter professed for her was destitute of jealousy, but was not without fear; and his face just then would have been a picture had anyone cared to study it.