Seeking his wife, he informed her that he would take the next train for New York.
"Isn't this rather sudden?" she asked, in surprise.
"A little, perhaps, but I have a small matter of business to attend to. Besides, I think the trip will do me good. I am not feeling quite as well as usual."
"I believe I will go, too," said Mrs. Duncan unexpectedly. "I want to make some purchases at Stewart's."
This suggestion was very far from agreeable to her husband.
"Really—I am"—he said, "I must disappoint you. My time will be wholly taken up by matters of business, and I can't go with you."
"You don't need to. I can take care of myself, and we can meet at the depot at four o'clock."
"Besides, I can't supply you with any money for shopping."
"I have enough. I might have liked a little more, but I can make it do."
"Perhaps it will look better if we go in company," thought Prince Duncan. "She needn't be in my way, for we can part at the station."