The doctor spoke bitterly. His wife pressed his hand gently, and the gloom left his face as he bent over her and kissed her.
"Well, little woman, I must not stay up here with you. I must rush off and see Gray, and somehow manage to catch the fast train. I hear the children trooping up the stairs! There's no need to tell them the purport of my journey."
The doctor bustled away as the children came laughing and talking into their mother's room. It was her custom, unless she was too unwell, to have them with her every morning for half-an-hour before they joined their governess in the school-room. First they read the psalms for the day, verse by verse in turn, then they hung around her, talking of all the matters of interest pertaining to their young lives. Nellie, the baby of the family, nestled in her mother's arms. She had no remembrance of her mother but as an invalid; but Dora and the twins recollected the time when Mrs. Knight had been the soul of activity, joining with them in their games, full of life and gaiety.
"What is father in such a hurry for this morning?" Dora inquired. "He finished his breakfast so quickly, and yet nobody sent for him."
"He is going to London this morning by the fast train on important business," Mrs. Knight briefly explained.
"Oh!"
Four pairs of eyes looked curious and interested, but no questions were asked. It was soon time for the children to go to the school-room, and when they had gone Mrs. Knight had not long to wait before her husband returned. He had seen Mr. Gray, and was quite ready for his journey.
"Take care of yourself, John," Mrs. Knight implored nervously.
She had never been nervous in the old days, but now it was different, though she strove hard to conquer her fears.
"My dear wife, I am always most careful!" and indeed he spoke truly. "It is not in the least likely I shall be away long."