"Don't say anything about it to mother, but the truth is I did have to go to St. Louis while I was away from home this time."
"Your mother thinks you were down in some little country town—away from a telephone!"
"Well, it was a—business trip. She wouldn't be interested, and I never have believed in a man boring his family with his business affairs."
"I shouldn't be bored, Richard," I began, hoping so fervently that he was going to confide in me that half the joy I should have been feeling over my beautiful new possession was turned into pain when I saw that he was not.
He changed the subject quietly and we discussed various minor matters, until I remembered, with a start, that it was time for us to be going home. It must be long past noon. I mentioned this to Richard and he jumped down immediately.
"I haven't heard the train whistle, have you?"
"No, but we haven't been listening for it. Look at your watch."
He did so, and we were both surprised and not a little ashamed when we saw that it was half-past one.
"We'll have to hurry," he said briefly, and we walked home faster, I dare say, than ever lovers walked away from that delightful spot before.
When we reached the house we found that the doctor from the city had indeed arrived; the preparations for the operation being well under way. There was not to be an hour's delay, Sophie told us, as she paused on her way up the steps. Her hands were full of glistening instruments, and a negro servant followed with kettles of boiled water.