The girl was not hurt, as yet; she remained merely confused,
incredulous, unreconciled. That there was to be some further explanation
of his silence she never dreamed of doubting; and there seemed to be
nothing to do in the interval but await it. As for writing him, some
instinct forbade it, even when Nina suggested that she write, adding
laughingly that nothing else seemed likely to stir her brother.
For the first few days the children clamoured intermittently for him;
but children forget, and Billy continued to cast out his pack in undying
hope of a fox or bunny, and the younger children brought their
butterfly-nets and sand-shovels to Austin and Nina for repairs; and
Drina, when Boots deserted her for his Air Line Company, struck up a
wholesome and lively friendship with a dozen subfreshmen and the younger
Orchil girls, and began to play golf like a little fiend.
It was possible, now, to ride cross-country; and Nina, who was always in
terror of an added ounce to her perfect figure, rode every day with
Eileen; and Austin, on a big hunter, joined them two days in the week.
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