When he said that he should not hunt in the coming winter; that he feared his hand was out for shooting; that he had an idea of travelling on the Continent during the autumn; and that there was no knowing when he might be summoned back to Polyeuka, of course there came across Aunt Polly's mind,--and probably also across Julia's mind,--an idea that he meant to give them the slip again.

On the former occasion he had behaved badly.
This was their opinion.

But, as it had turned out, his circumstances at the moment were such as to make his conduct pardonable.

He had been harassed by the importunities both of his father and of Davis; and that, under such circumstances, he should have run away from his affianced bride, was almost excusable, But now----! It was very different now.

Something must be settled.