"My partner's wife, Mrs. Royce, would be very glad if you would come to her," I said. "I have a letter from her," and I gave it to her.
She stood considering it with a little pucker of perplexity between her brows. She did not attempt to open it.
"She is very kind," she murmured, and her tone surprised and disappointed me.
"May I see you to-morrow?"
"If you wish."
"I shall come some time during the afternoon," I said, and took up my hat. "There is nothing else I can do for you?"
"No, I believe not."
She was plainly preoccupied and answered almost at random, with a coldness in sharp contrast to the warmth of her previous manner.
"Then I will say good-bye."
"Good-bye, Mr. Lester; and thank you."