"I am very sorry, Mrs. Trevlyn, that I am to be deprived of the privilege of attending the ball to-night. It is particularly annoying."
"What do you mean, Mr. Trevlyn?"
"I am obliged to go to Philadelphia on important business, and must leave in this evening's train. I did not know of the necessity until a few hours ago."
Mrs. Trevlyn was just in the state to be wrought upon by trifles.
"Always business," she exclaimed, pettishly. "I am sick of the word."
"Business before pleasure, Mrs. Trevlyn. But, really this is an important affair. It is connected with the house of Renshaw and Selwyn, which went under last week. The firm were under large obligations to—"
"Don't talk business to me, Mr. Trevlyn. I do not understand such things—neither do I desire to. I only hope it is business you are going for!"
Mr. Trevlyn looked at her in some surprise.
"You only hope it is business?" he said, inquiringly. "I do not comprehend."
"I might have said that I hoped it was not a woman who called you from your wife!"