“I thought you’d want some luncheon.”
“I couldn’t touch a morsel,” Elsie declared, shuddering. “Couldn’t you—couldn’t you take me home?”
“Do you mean Hillbourne Terrace?”
“Yes. I’ve got to tell mother some time to-day, and I’d rather get it over.”
“Very well,” Williams agreed, with a curious little smile on his thin lips. “But you mustn’t think of it as being home now, you know, Elsie. Your home is where I live—where you’re coming back with me to-night. No more office for my little girl after to-day.”
His short triumphant laugh woke no echo from her.
“Do you want me to come in with you?”
“Of course I do!” said Elsie indignantly. “Why, mother’ll be simply furious! You don’t suppose I’m going to stand up to her all by myself, do you?”
“Why should she be furious, Elsie? You’ve not done anything disgraceful in marrying me.”
His voice was as quiet as ever, but his intonation told her that he was offended.