Apparently he did not see his recent companions.

There was a strained, eager expression on his face.
"Going to befuddle himself between now and dinner," was the comment of Prudence.
"The poor young man!" sighed Angelina.
"Pah! He's a fool.

I never saw a man who wasn't." "There was Father," suggested Angelina gently.
"Ninny! What did we know about Father, except when he was around the house?
But where is the girl?
She said something about having tea with us.

I want to know more about her.

I wonder if she has any idea how oddly beautiful she is ?" Ruth at that precise moment was engaged by a relative wonder.