"I am sorry, Edith," he said, turning to her, "but I leave to-morrow for England."
"For England!" ejaculated Esther in astonishment; for she knew that a visit to England had been remote from his thoughts the last time she had talked with him.
"Nothing wrong at home, I hope, Kenneth?" said John Clayton, kindly.
"My uncle cabled me that my parents were killed in an accident. It is imperative that I go at once."
He paused. John Clayton reached over and laid a hand on his arm. Mrs. Clayton spoke a few words of sympathy; but Esther Bright sat silent. How she had urged him to make his parents a visit! How he had rebuffed her, saying they cared nothing for him! She remembered his saying that he had always been starved for a mother's love. Too late now to give or to receive.
She felt Kenneth looking at her, expecting her to say some word. She seemed suddenly dumb. At last she heard him speak her name. He hesitated, then continued:
"I wish I had gone when you suggested it, Miss Bright."
He bowed his head upon his hand.
"I wish you had gone," she said, simply. "It might have been a comfort to you."
After awhile he spoke cheerfully of his return, and of what they would do.