Whatever the reason, Maud behaved with unusual mildness to her brother, and Jasper in turn was gently disposed to both the girls.
On the morning of the third day--it was Saturday--he kept silence through breakfast, and just as all were about to rise from the table, he made a sudden announcement: 'I shall go to London this afternoon.' 'This afternoon ?' all exclaimed.

'But Monday is your day.' 'No, I shall go this afternoon, by the 2.45.' And he left the room.

Mrs Milvain and the girls exchanged looks.
'I suppose he thinks the Sunday will be too wearisome,' said the mother.
'Perhaps so,' Maud agreed, carelessly.
Half an hour later, just as Dora was ready to leave the house for her engagements in Wattleborough, her brother came into the hall and took his hat, saying: 'I'll walk a little way with you, if you don't mind.' When they were in the road, he asked her in an offhand manner: 'Do you think I ought to say good-bye to the Yules?
Or won't it signify ?' 'I should have thought you would wish to.' 'I don't care about it.

And, you see, there's been no hint of a wish on their part that I should see them in London.

No, I'll just leave you to say good-bye for me.' 'But they expect to see us to-day or to-morrow.