She knew he would, in fact; and if she were Ethie, she should write to him at once, apprising him of her return, but not making too many concessions .-- Men could not bear them, and it was better always to hold a stiff rein, or there was danger of a collision.

She might as well have talked to the winds, for all that Ethie heard or cared.

She was thinking of Richard, and the possibility that she might not be welcome to him now.

If so, nothing could tempt her to intrude herself upon him.

At all events, she would not make the first advances.