'To America!'
'Yes, about this book of dear old Spencer's. It is a thing that must be complete, and I find he was in correspondence with some men of science there. I could satisfy my mind on a few points, which would make it infinitely more valuable, you see—and get it published there too. I know my father would wish every justice to be done to it.'
'I know he would; and,' continued Ethel, as innocently as she could, 'shall you see the Wards?'
'Why,' said Tom, in his deliberate voice, 'that is just one thing; I want particularly to see Henry. I had a talk with Wright this morning, and he tells me that young Baines, at Whitford, is going to the dogs, and the practice coming in to him. He thinks of having a partner, and I put out a feeler in case Henry Ward should choose to come back, and found it might do very well. But the proposal must come from him, and there's no time to be lost, so I thought of setting out as soon as I hear my father is on his way back.'
'Not waiting to see Leonard?'
'I did see him not a month ago. Besides—' and his voice came to a sudden end.
'Yes, the first news,' said Ethel. 'Indeed it is due to you, Tom.'
Ten minutes more of silence.
'Ethel, did she ever tell you?'
'Never,' said Ethel, her heart beating.