Julia pleaded that Harry had done what he thought to be right, and then went in to see her father, who was reclining on the sofa, with his fingers between the pages of a book closed in his hand. He received her even more coldly than usual; he never exhibited much warmth of feeling even to her. She had again to recount what had happened, and he expressed the utmost surprise at Harry's acting in so extraordinary a manner. He did not allude to her ride home with Captain Headland, though she every moment thought he would speak of it. She excused herself for leaving him as soon as possible on the plea that she must change her riding-habit. When Headland at last entered the drawing-room, the baronet received him with marked coldness, and made no allusion to his having been absent. The young captain could not help feeling that Sir Ralph did not regard him with a favourable eye. Julia came down only for a few minutes before the usual hour for retiring for the night had arrived, and Headland had no opportunity of speaking to her. CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN. NO NEWS OF THE CUTTER. When Sir Ralph entered the breakfast-room next morning, Headland could not help remarking the formal politeness with which he greeted him. "Has nothing been seen of my son Harry?" he asked. "Perhaps, Captain Headland, you would favour me by riding over to Hurlston to ascertain whether the cutter in which he embarked has returned." Headland said that he should be very happy to do as Sir Ralph wished. He looked towards Julia, doubting whether he might venture to ask her to ride in the same direction. Sir Ralph seemed to divine his thoughts, for he immediately said-- "Julia, I wish to have some conversation with you during the morning; we will afterwards, if you please, take a canter round the park." The hint was too broad Headland saw to be misunderstood. Julia looked annoyed, but quickly recovering herself, replied-- "I will come to you, papa, whenever you wish." Algernon soon after came in, looking pale and ill. His father seemed struck by his appearance, and asked with more concern than usual if he had not slept well. "Not particularly so; my cough somewhat troubled me, but with the advantage of a few warm days, I daresay I shall be soon to rights again." The baronet's thoughts seemed to be diverted from their former channel by his anxiety for his son. General Sampson and Mrs Appleton did their best to make the conversation more lively than it might otherwise have become, for Lady Castleton had evidently some anxiety on her mind, and was less able than usual to act the part of the hostess.