Mr. Brandon watched his wife, to see if she exhibited severe disappointment at the dazzling prospect which was no sooner shown than withdrawn, but she showed her usual equanimity.
"Grit and I will be quite as happy at home," she answered.
"Sour grapes!" thought Brandon, but he was wrong. A tour of Europe taken in his company would have no attractions for his wife.
"Very well," said Brandon. "You and Grit are welcome to the charms of Pine Point. As for me, it is too small and contracted for a man of my business capacity."
"I wonder whether there is any truth in what he says," thought Mrs. Brandon, puzzled.
"Your business seems a profitable one," she ventured to remark.
"It is, Mrs. B.," answered her husband. "It is of an unusually delicate nature, and requires business talents of a high order."
"Your friend Travers does not impress one as a man possessed of a high order of business talent," said Mrs. Brandon.
"That is where you fail to appreciate him, but I cannot say more. My business is secret, and cannot be revealed."
So saying, Brandon took his hat, and with a jaunty step walked to the hotel.