“But why did not he come up to the house? Why did not you let us see him?” said Mr. Walsingham.
“I could not keep him, he was in such a hurry to go home to his father and mother, he would only stop to give this note.”
“From Walsingham? Read, quick.”
“Plymouth, 5 o’clock, A.M. just landed.
“Dear friends, I cannot have the pleasure of seeing you, as I had hoped to do, this day—I am obliged to go to London instantly on business that must not be delayed—Cannot tell when I can be with you—hope in a few days—Well and happy, and ever yours, H. WALSINGHAM.”
All stood silent with looks of disappointment, except Mrs. Beaumont, who reiterated, “What a pity! What a sad pity! What a disappointment! What a terrible disappointment!”
“Business!” said Mr. Beaumont: “curse his business! he should think of his friends first.”
“Most likely his business is for his friends,” said Miss Walsingham.
“That’s right, my dear little defender of the absent,” said Mr. Walsingham.
“Business!” repeated Mr. Palmer. “Hum! I like business better than pleasure—I will be patient, if it is really business that keeps him away from us.”