Everett Brimbecomb's card admitted him to the governor's home. Mrs. Vandecar welcomed him with outstretched hands.
"Strange, Everett," said she, "but I was thinking only this afternoon that I should ask you to dinner. I feel ashamed that I haven't before; but I've been such an invalid for a long time! You must be lonely, now that your father and mother are gone."
"I've been busy."
The other laughed understandingly.
"Ah! I had forgotten that a young engaged man has but few free evenings on his hands."
To this Everett did not reply.
"How is dear Ann?" asked Mrs. Vandecar.
"I left her quite well; but not in the best of spirits. In fact, dear little lady," and he bent over the white hand he held, "I've come to ask a favor of you."
"Is it anything about Ann? I can't have matters disarranged between you two. I've always said you were an ideal couple."
"Thank you," murmured Everett.