"Isn't there," returned he, as carelessly as if he had not noted that fact. "It is of no consequence."
"Oh, I can easily get it; I suppose Hannah forgot it."
She restored the vial to its place, laying the closed case by her plate, and left the room. The instant the door closed behind her, Dr. Ashton reached across the table, possessed himself of the vial, returning the case to its former position. His wife turned just outside the door, and came back with a meaning smile to take up the empty case and lock it again in the cabinet.
"I cannot trust you," she remarked with a smile; "you are too eager to foil the gods."
He smiled in return, holding his wine-glass up to the light.
"There is more where that came from," he said. "You forget my profession."
"Of what are you musing so intently?" Helen queried, half an hour later, while, the supper being ended, her husband was enjoying his cigar.
"Of two things which I have to communicate. One is a folly and the other—or perhaps I should say each—is a misfortune."
"The folly," returned she, "I forgive; the misfortune I regret. What are they?" "I am glad you forgive the folly. That gives me boldness to tell it. I have fallen in love."
"You, Will! With whom?"