As he rode along, thinking of the occurrence, he was dimly conscious of a pleasant suggestion in something he had seen among the hazel brush, and searching tenaciously in his recollection of the affair, it all at once occurred to him that, among the faces of the men who came out of the thicket in the scuffle, was that of the blonde-bearded, blue-eyed young carpenter who had been at work in his library the day Mrs. Belding and Alice lunched with him.  He was pleased to find that the pleasant association led him to memories of his love, but for a moment a cloud passed over him at the thought of so frank and hearty a fellow and such a good workman being in such company.  “I must see if I cannot get him out of it,” he said to himself, and then reverted again to thoughts of Alice.

Twilight was falling, and its melancholy influence was beginning to affect him.  He thought less and less of the joy of his love and more of its hopelessness.  By the time he reached his house he had begun to confront the possibility of a life of renunciation, and, after the manner of Americans of fortune who have no special ties, his mind turned naturally to Europe.  “I cannot stay here to annoy her,” he thought, and so began to plot for the summer and winter, and, in fancy, was at the second cataract of the Nile before his horse’s hoofs, ringing on the asphalt of the stable-yard, recalled him to himself.

The next day, he was compelled to go to New York to attend to some matters of business.  Before taking the train, he laid his complaint of being stopped on the road before the chief of police, who promised to make vigorous inquisition.  Farnham remained several days in New York, and on his return, one warm, bright evening, he found his table prepared and the grave Budsey waiting behind his chair.

He ate his dinner hastily and in silence, with no great zest.  “You have not forgot, sir,” said Budsey, who was his external conscience in social matters, “that you are going this evening to Mrs. Temple’s?”

“I think I shall not go.”

“Mr. Temple was here this afternoon, sir, which he said it was most particular.  I asked him would he call again.  He said no, he was sure of seeing you to-night.  But it was most particular, he said.”

Budsey spoke in the tone of solemn and respectful tyranny which he always assumed when reminding Farnham of his social duties, and which conveyed a sort of impression to his master that, if he did not do what was befitting, his butler was quite capable of picking him up and deferentially carrying him to the scene of festivity, and depositing him on the door-step.

“What could Temple want to see me about ’most particular’?” Farnham asked himself.  “After all, I may as well pass the evening there as anywhere.”