"Is your wedding to come off so soon?" she inquired.
"Yes, in a few weeks, and then we are to go to Europe for a short holiday, and afterward take a house in the city here," said Alden, smiling.
"I wish you every joy in your wedded life. And now, Mr. Lytton, you must let me go," she said, wearily.
"One moment. You do not write to Emma often, do you? I ask because only a week ago, in one of her letters to me, Miss Cavendish wrote that she had not heard from you for nearly three months, and requested me to find out your address, if possible. I wrote back in reply that I believed you to be at the Ladies' College, in Philadelphia," he said, still detaining her hand.
"I am a bad correspondent. My hand is still lame. Just before I left here for Philadelphia I sent Miss Cavendish an acknowledgment of the last quarterly sum she sent me. I told her then that I was about to go to Philadelphia on particular business. I have not written to her since."
"And that was nearly three months ago. That is just what the matter is. She wishes to find out your address, so as to know where to send the next quarterly instalment of your income, which will soon be due."
"Tell her that I have returned to this city, and that my address is the same as that to which she last wrote."
"I will; but do you write to her also. I know she is anxious to hear directly from you."
"I will do so," she replied; "though I am the worst possible correspondent. Now good-day, Mr. Lytton."
"If I may not call to see you, at least I hope that you will let me know if ever I can serve you in any manner," he said, gently, as he pressed the pale hand he had held so long and relinquished it.