But, for a
country schoolgirl, unaccustomed to men, two months with a man like you
might well awaken feelings of which you do not think. Because you were
safe-guarded is no sign the girl was. She might care to see you. You can
soon tell. With you, she comes next to Edith, and you have made it clear
to me that you appreciate her in many ways above. So I repeat it, why
not go to the Limberlost?"
A long time Philip Ammon sat in deep thought. At last he raised his
head.
"Well, why not!" he said. "Years could make me no surer than I am now,
and life is short. Please ask Banks to get me some coffee and toast, and
I will bathe and dress so I can take the early train."
"Go to your bath. I will attend to your packing and everything. And
Phil, if I were you, I would leave no addresses."
"Not an address!" said Philip. "Not even Polly."
When the train pulled out, the elder Ammon went home to find Hart
Henderson waiting.
"Where is Phil?" he demanded.
"He did not feel like facing his friends at present, and I am just
back from driving him to the station. He said he might go to Siam, or
Patagonia. He would leave no address."
Henderson almost staggered. "He's not gone? And left no address? You
don't mean it! He'll never forgive her!"
"Never is a long time, Hart," said Mr. Ammon. "And it seems even longer
to those of us who are well acquainted with Phil. Last night was not the
last straw. It was the whole straw-stack.
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