'I should have been so glad. But that does not matter, if only it is good for him. He is tiring himself already, making preparations.'
'Then it will be soon——'
'I suppose so. And since it has to come, the saying good-bye, the leaving here, and all the rest of it, it had better be soon over.'
'Yes,' answered Master Caleb, breaking out into one of those unlucky speeches that said one thing and meant another, 'it'll be a blessing when you are gone.'
She smiled a little. 'I think it will. And for you too. I know you will be sorry.'
'Oh, never mind that. It doesn't matter much for me,—I mean, don't think—It doesn't matter, I mean——'
'I am afraid you will miss my father very much.'
'Oh yes, your father. Of course I shall miss him. Everything will be gone that I care for in the world,—the chemistry, you know, and all.'
'And my father will miss you. Won't you come and see him?'
She went across and opened the study door. The room was all in disorder, drawers open, book-cases half empty, and their contents scattered about all over the tables and floor.