"Yes, I know, but there was nothing the matter, you see. Mrs. Case is here because Susanne thought she ought to have a few weeks in which to get accustomed to the house—"
"A few weeks—I don't know, Helen—" He looks anxious and doubtful. She says quickly:
"Yes, yes, Ed. A—few weeks—I know," decisively and encouragingly. She has not been honest with him as to the time of her coming peril. She has had one wild desire to have him away, out of town, anywhere, that he may not be worried or annoyed by her; that the approach of the crisis may not interrupt his work.
Her tone reassures him, and he remembers his appointment, and that he will be late. He says, tenderly:
"I will be home soon, dear. I have an appointment with Grayson now, but will come home as soon as we are through."
She nods cheerfully, and says:
"All right! don't neglect anything for me, Ed—it is not necessary. Isn't to-night the affair at Dalget's?"
"Yes, but I'm not going."
She lays her hand on his arm appealingly:
"Go, Ed. Please go. I want you to. I—"