"Where is Doris?"
"Oh, we have had quite an adventure—a call from a young naval officer. Here is his card. He brought letters to you and Doris, and she was eager to take hers over to Betty. She will stay to supper."
He scrutinized the card while his breath came in strangling gasps, but he preserved his composure outwardly.
"Did you—did he——" pausing confusedly.
"I did not see him," returned Miss Recompense quietly. "I was not in company trim, and he asked for Doris. I dare say he thought her a young lady."
"Is he staying in Boston?" fingering the card irresolutely.
"He was to return to Washington at once. He had come on some urgent business."
Mr. Adams went through to his study. He looked at the address some moments before he broke the seal, but he found the first lines reassuring.
"Will you have supper now?" asked Miss Recompense from the doorway.
"If convenient, yes." He laid down his letter and came out in the hall. "Doris told you all her news, I suppose?"