After matters had thus been satisfactorily arranged, Mr. Huxter said:—
"I think, Jane, I will just take a little walk outside, and smoke a pipe. I always do after supper. By the way, when would you like to have young Oakley go?"
"To-morrow."
"To-morrow!" repeated Mr. Huxter, in some disappointment, for he had confidently hoped to avail himself of his sister's hospitality for a week at least. "Seems to me, Jane, you're in something of a hurry."
"I am. There is a good reason for it, which I am not at liberty to mention," said Mrs. Oakley.
"Not even to me?"
"Not even to you."
"Well, I dare say it is all right, but I am tired after my journey, and it don't give me much time to rest," said Mr. Huxter, with disappointment.
"Let it be day after to-morrow, then. I don't want to be inhospitable," said Mrs. Oakley.