"I'm sorry," said Mrs. Overman, with a smile that did not look sorry. "I'm afraid the matter is out of our hands, though, Hugh. Janet Armstrong is in the party. I rather think that you would find it too late to interfere."
He looked at her steadily and in silence.
"Janet is a charming girl," she went on lightly. "She will be a better match even than Ellice Avery. A year ago it might have been Ellice, but it has turned out for the best all around. Janet and Philip were engaged the day they sailed. And you must see, Hugh, that there is nothing further to be said about it."
Perhaps he did, for he said nothing. He rose and walked to the window and stood looking out so long that the lady frowned and smiled and frowned again, and finally spoke.
"Where are your things, Hugh? It is getting late."
"My things? Oh, they are not coming."
"But you are going on with me, aren't you?"
"No," he said. "I'm sorry."
"But I counted on you," she cried.
"I'm sorry," he said again, very gently. He could afford to be gentle now. "I have important work to do tonight."