"I'll tell Walter, then, that perhaps in February."
And presently, Mr. Thomas, blinking behind his glasses, turned his gentle smile toward Catherine.
"We hear great things of you, Mrs. Hammond."
"Oh, yes." Mrs. Thomas nodded. Catherine felt the quick stiffening of attention, and thought, here's what they came in for. What is it? She flung out her hand to ward off danger, but unsuspectingly Mr. Thomas hurled his bomb.
"Dr. Roberts tells us you've been appointed field investigator. He is particularly enthusiastic about it. You deserve congratulations."
"But, dear Mrs. Hammond, are you really going? I said to Mr. Thomas I couldn't believe it unless you told me yourself."
Catherine rushed pell-mell into words. She must stir up enough dust to hide Charles's face, to keep him silent.
"It isn't really settled. Dr. Roberts asked me to go, but I haven't agreed, as yet. Interesting, of course, fascinating." She saw, breathlessly, the little glance of triumph Mrs. Thomas sent her husband.
"I said I didn't see how a mother could leave her family."