The course to be pursued having been determined, the riders were not at pains to keep the carriage always within sight.
'Why did Miss Hood decline to come ?' Mr.Athel inquired, shortly after they had started.
She gave no reason, Mrs.Rossall replied.

'It was her choice to stay at home.' 'Of course you asked her in a proper way ?' 'Why, Philip, of course I did.' 'Miss Hood never alters her mind,' remarked Patty.
'Never,' exclaimed the other twin with decision.
'An admirable characteristic,' commented their uncle, 'provided her decision is right to begin with.' Beatrice had just led off at a gallop; Wilfrid necessarily followed her.
When the pace slackened they began to talk of Indifferent things.

On the crest of a hill, whence the carriage could be seen far away on the white road, the girl reined in, and, turning to her companion, asked abruptly-- 'What is your opinion of Miss Hood ?' 'Why do you ask such a question ?' 'Because I should like to know.

She interests me, and you must have had opportunities enough lately of studying her character ?' 'Why does she interest you ?' 'I can't say.

I thought you might help me to discover the reason.