"The Colonel probably feels that he has had enough frivolity for one day, and has preferred to ride straight on to Four-Pools." It occurred to me that Rad and his father had ridden home together to make up their quarrel, and the reflection added considerably to my peace of mind.

I had felt vaguely uncomfortable over the matter all day, for I knew that the old man was always miserable after a misunderstanding with his son, and I strongly suspected that Radnor himself was far from happy.
When we arrived at Mathers Hall, Polly slipped from her saddle and came running up to me as I was about to dismount.

She laid her hand on the bridle and asked, in the sweetest way possible, if I would mind riding back to the plantation to see if the Colonel were really there, as she could not help feeling anxious about him.

I noticed with a smile that she made no comment on the younger man's defection, though I strongly suspected that she was no less interested in that.

I turned about and galloped off again, willing enough to do her bidding, though I could not help reflecting that it would have been just as easy for her, and considerably easier for me, had she developed her anxiety a few miles back.
When I reached the four corners where the road to Four-Pools branches off from the valley turnpike, I saw the wagon coming with the two Mathers negroes in it, but without any sign of Mose.