"So he is, doctor--and tomorrow's the day! There's so much to tell and so much to listen to. Arthur, we'll spend the remainder of our days talking and listening. But the juleps! Here, Julia, you're even better than Peter at this decoction. Make us three, child. I know your uncle's tired. Take a chair, doctor--"
But Glenning was already in the hall following swiftly in the train of the young lady commissioned to mix the drinks. He overtook her at the door between the library and dining-room. She heard him in pursuit, and turned there to smile at him.
"Oh, I'm _so_ glad you've come!" he exclaimed, taking her two hands and looking down into her eyes. "You have been away ages!"
"So long?" she laughed archly; "did you miss me?"
She wrested herself free and ran to the old side-board, where the decanters and sugar sat. He was by her side on the instant.
"Can it not be tonight?" he pleaded. "Will--your uncle's coming interfere?"
"It would not be right for me to absent myself from him the first evening after his arrival. You understand, don't you?"
"Certainly I do. I knew it was useless and silly for me to ask--but I want so much to have you to myself for one hour!"
"You shall--tomorrow night! What can it mean, Doctor Glenning?--that story of his death, and the money?"
"Somebody has made a mistake," he answered, and his face was very solemn.
"Evidently they have, but that doesn't cast any light on the mystery."
"It will be cleared up in time--let me carry that tray for you. It's silver, and heavy as lead."
She consented, and they repaired to the porch, where the juleps were quaffed eagerly. Then John made his excuses, feeling somewhat out of place in the flush of this reunion, but first securing Julia's promise to accompany him to the races the following afternoon.
That day was one which the people of Macon and the country round about never forgot. A light rain fell in the forenoon, sufficient to do away with the dust without making mud. In consequence the track was perfect, the atmosphere tempered, and in the afternoon not a cloud showed in the sky. The Dudleys went early and found seats just in front of the wire, which was the most desirable location. The news of Arthur Dudley's return had spread quickly, and people thronged about the two old men, for though he had always lived an isolated existence, Major Dudley enjoyed the respect and esteem of every one. The big race in which The Prince was expected to win his laurels was the last on the program, so there was plenty of time for receiving friends, and listening to the opinions of well-wishers. These were legion, for Marston had not a backer in all that vast throng. He was a pariah, by choice. He did not like people, and he did not want them to like him. He was on hand this afternoon. John saw his thick-set figure often in the crowd at the betting shed during the first races. He bet on his own horses, some of which were in every race, and he nearly always won, for his thoroughbreds belonged to a strain which was hard to beat.