“There really isn’t anything to tell, dear.” He strove to speak with attention. “You know just about as much of it all as I do.”
“Oh, but I’m so sorry for you! Will it put you back any?”
“I suppose so.”
“Oh, dear!” she moaned helplessly. “Isn’t it too bad! If only you had not been obliged to take that journey! Do you suppose it would have happened if you had stayed at home?”
“I really can’t tell. The fire might have been discovered earlier; it started at noon, when most of the clerks were out at lunch.”
“I see. But no one can hold you responsible.”
“I am responsible for everything. If you do not mind, Lois, I’ll go to bed. I’m tired; I didn’t get any sleep last night.”
“Yes, of course.” She smoothed his hair with her fingers in remorseful tenderness, leaning against him, with her laces touching his cheek. “Such a long, long, tiresome journey! It’s such a pity you had to go.”
“Oh, well, I had to, and that’s the end of it. Don’t let’s talk about it any more. I hope that poor girl gets some sleep to-night; she needs it. She can’t hear us, can she?”