"Come in," cried Vinal, in his usual quick, decisive tone.
A servant entered.
"Well, what is it?"
"A gentleman wishes to see you, sir."
"Did he give his name?"
"Mr. Edwards, sir."
"Ask him to come up."
"A man whom I expected this morning on business," he said, in explanation to his wife, as the servant closed the door. "I wish he were any where but here. And so you are going away."—She was dressed to go out.—"He will be here only a moment; do not be gone long."
"No, I will be with you again in an hour."
"Do not forget," said Vinal, pressing her hand, "for when you leave the room, Edith, it is as if a sunbeam were shut out."