But Plez, whom she had sent to tell his mistress that her visitor was in the house, returned with the information that "ole miss" was in one of the lower fields directing some men who were digging a ditch, and that she would return to the house in a very short time.

Thus assured that no permanent absence was intended, she went into the parlor to entertain Miss March, and to explain, as well as she could, the state of affairs; when, as she entered the door, she saw that lady suddenly arise and look steadfastly out of the window.
"Can that be Mr Croft ?" Miss March exclaimed.
The younger girl made a dash forward and also looked out of the window.
Yes, there was Mr Croft, riding across the yard toward the tree where horses were commonly tied.
"Did you expect him ?" asked Roberta, quickly.
"No more than I expected the man in the moon," was the impulsive and honest answer of her companion.
"I am very glad to see you, Mrs Null," said Lawrence, when that lady met him on the porch.

And when he was shown into the parlor, he greeted Miss March with much cordiality, but no surprise.

But when he inquired after other members of the family, he was much surprised to find that Mr Keswick had gone to Washington.

"Was not this very unexpected, Mrs Null ?" he asked.
"Why, no," she answered.