I am inclined to think that, being a healthy girl under her frail appearance, and fast walking and what I may call relief-crying (there are many kinds of crying) making one hungry, she made a good meal.

It was Captain Anthony who had no appetite.

His sister commented on it in a curt, businesslike manner, and the eldest of his delightful nieces said mockingly: "You have been taking too much exercise this morning, Uncle Roderick." The mild Uncle Roderick turned upon her with a "What do you know about it, young lady ?" so charged with suppressed savagery that the whole round table gave one gasp and went dumb for the rest of the meal.

He took no notice whatever of Flora de Barral.

I don't think it was from prudence or any calculated motive.