But Ben did not seem to flourish as he had done at first.
The loss of Sancho preyed upon him sadly, and the longing to go and find his dog grew into such a strong temptation that he could hardly resist it.

He said little about it; but now, and then a word escaped him which might have enlightened any one who chanced to be watching him.

No one was, just then, so he brooded over this fancy, day by day, in silence and solitude, for there was no riding and driving now.

Thorny was busy with his sister trying to show her that he remembered how good she had been to him when he was ill, and the little girls had their own affairs.
Miss Celia was the first to observe the change, having nothing to do but lie on the sofa and amuse herself by seeing others work or play.

Ben was bright enough at the readings, because then he forgot his troubles; but when they were over and his various duties done, he went to his own room or sought consolation with Lita, being sober and quiet, and quite unlike the merry monkey all knew and liked so well.
"Thorny, what is the matter with Ben ?" asked Miss Celia, one day, when she and her brother were alone in the "green parlor," as they called the lilac-tree walk.
"Fretting about Sanch, I suppose.