“Hephzy,” I demanded, “would you go away—on a trip abroad—with me?”

She put down the knitting.

“Hosy Knowles!” she exclaimed. “WHAT are you talkin' about?”

“But would you?”

“I presume likely I would, if I had the chance; but it isn't likely that—where are you goin'?”

I did not answer. I hurried out of the sitting-room and out of the house.

When I returned I found her still knitting. The circular lay on the floor at her feet. She regarded me anxiously.

“Hosy,” she demanded, “where—”

I interrupted. “Hephzy,” said I, “I have been to the station to send a telegram.”

“A telegram? A TELEGRAM! For mercy sakes, who's dead?”