“Have you seen Colonel Sewell?” said Mrs. Sewell, as she accompanied the doctor downstairs.
“Yes; I told him just what I 've said to you.”
“And what reply did he make?”
“He said, 'All right! I have business in town, and must start to-morrow. My wife and the chicks can follow by the end of the week.'”
“It's so like him!—so like him!” said she, as though the pent-up passion could no longer be restrained.
CHAPTER XL. MR. BALFOUR'S OFFICE
On arriving in Dublin, Sewell repaired at once to Balfour's office in the Castle yard; he wanted to “hear the news,” and it was here that every one went who wanted to “hear the news.” There are in all cities, but more especially in cities of the second order, certain haunts where the men about town repair; where, like the changing-houses of bankers, people exchange their “credits,”—take up their own notes, and give up those of their neighbors.
Sewell arrived before the usual time when people dropped in, and found Balfour alone and at breakfast. The Under-Secretary's manner was dry, so much Sewell saw as he entered; he met him as though he had seen him the day before, and this, when men have not seen each other for some time, has a certain significance. Nor did he ask when he had come up, nor in any way recognize that his appearance was matter of surprise or pleasure.
“Well, what's going on here?” said Sewell, as he flung himself into an easy-chair, and turned towards the fire. “Anything new?”