Coming home from a restless round of the city on the Fourth of July, where I had found the great national holiday a bore, I noticed Mr. Desmond’s team coming up to the garden gate with a brisk turn. That fine old gentleman—I always feel like calling him old on account of his gray whiskers, though he was little more than fifty—came down the walk and with stately politeness assisted Bessie and the baby out of the carriage. I looked to see Mrs. Pinkerton follow, but she was not there, and clearly Mr. Desmond had not been to ride. It struck me as a little queer, not to say amusing, that they had been having a quiet tête-à-tête together in the cottage while John gave Bessie and the baby their airing. But then, it was not so strange either, for was he not going to leave us in two days? It was no uncommon thing for Mrs. Pinkerton to stay within while Bessie was out, and he had probably dropped in late in the afternoon, expecting to find us all at home, as it was a holiday. I bade him good by in case I did not see him again, as he got into the carriage to ride back to the city.
“Oh, I shall see you to-morrow,” he said in a brisk tone which had not been habitual with him of late.
That evening my mother-in-law was uncommonly gracious, a little absent-minded, and more pleasant in spirit than I had ever known her. She seemed to be filled with an inward satisfaction that I could not make out at all. Bessie and I both remarked it, but could not surmise any cause for the apparent change that had come over the spirit of her dream.
Next morning, on reaching town, I found a note asking me to step over to Mr. Desmond’s office when I could find time. I went at my leisure, wondering what was up. As I entered, he seemed remarkably cordial and happy.
“I find that Blunt,” he said in a business-like way, “would like to have you take hold at once, if possible. Their affairs are in some confusion and need an experienced hand to straighten them out. It will be necessary for you to give a bond, which I have here all prepared, with satisfactory sureties, and you need only give us your signature, which I will have properly witnessed on the spot.”
“Oh, is that it?” I thought. Strange I didn’t think of its having something to do with my new position. I knew I could get away from my old place at a week’s notice, as I had already made known my intention to leave, and there were several applicants for the position. The bond was executed without hesitation.
“You will not lose your vacation,” Mr. Desmond said, “though your salary will begin at once. As soon as you can get matters in order, which may take a month or more, you are to be allowed a few weeks’ absence to recuperate and get fully prepared for your new responsibilities.”
Thanking him for his kindness, I was about to go, when he said, “Sit down, Mr. Travers. I have something else to say to you.”
“What’s coming now?” I wondered, as I took my seat again. Mr. Desmond seemed a little at a loss how to begin his new communication, and came nearer appearing embarrassed than I should have thought possible for him.
“The fact is,” he said at last, “I have changed my mind about going abroad.”