But, even as she arose to her feet, she knew how that would hurt the man who had always been so good to her; and so she went generously down the walk to meet him where he would dismount and leave his horse.
"Did you see father ?" she asked, thinking as she spoke how little there was for them to talk about.
"Why, no.

What's the matter ?" he returned quickly, pausing as if ready to ride again at her word.
She laughed a little at his manner.

"There is nothing the matter.

He just went over to see the Dean, that's all." "I must have missed him crossing the meadow," returned Phil.

"He always goes around by the road." Then, when he stood beside her, he added gently, "But there is something the matter, Kitty.