“Only two days ago, and he is looking hale and hearty, and hopes to return in a week.”
“Well, Mr Smith, you must stay here till he returns.”
“It is doubtful if I can; business, you know, business. What a lovely sunset, to be sure! Bodes a fine day to-morrow I should think.”
“You seem happy, Mr Smith?”
“I feel as fresh as a daisy.”
“And yet, but a minute ago, you hinted at being fagged by over-work.”
“Oh!” replied the solicitor, shaking his head, “that was before I left town. Bless you, madam, two gulps of Highland air set me on my legs again at any time.”
The two chatted very pleasantly together over the evening meal; but towards the end of it Mr Smith managed adroitly to turn the conversation to bygone times.
“I seem to sadden you though,” he said.
“Oh! no: I’m resigned to everything now. My time will not be very long, and I know the good God in whom I trust has done all for the best. But the loss of my son was a great blow; then my husband’s death.”