So Daisy and Ransom wore thoughtful faces during the rest of breakfast-time; and the result of Ransom's reflections was that the investigation would go on most pleasantly without him.

He made up his mind to slip away, if he had a chance, and be missing.

He had the chance; for Mr.and Mrs.Randolph were engaged with a call of some neighbours immediately after breakfast; all thought of the children's affairs seemed to be departed.

Ransom waited a safe time, and then departed too, with Preston, on an expedition which would last all the morning.

Daisy alone bided the hour, a good deal disturbed in the view of what it might bring.
She was summoned at last to the library.