"No; my night was troubled by ghastly dreams. I could scarcely wait till morning to bid you good-by."
"I am very sorry for this, for I had counted on a pleasant day with you. My wife and Roma are gone to Boston for the day, leaving their regrets for you, and kindly wishes to find you here on their return."
The doctor started with surprise, exclaiming:
"It must have been an unexpected trip."
Edmund Clarke then explained about Roma's midnight sufferings from toothache, necessitating a visit to her dentist.
"My wife would not have left me, but she felt sure I should not be lonely, having you for company," he added regretfully.
"My dear friend, I should like to remain with you, and, rather than disappoint you, I will wait until the late afternoon train; but—all my friendship for you could not tempt me to spend another night at Cliffdene!"
"You amaze me, doctor! This is very strange! Why do you look so pale and strange? Why did you spend so uncomfortable a night, when I tried to surround you with every comfort?"
"You did, my dear friend, and every luxury besides—even a key to my door, which I forgot to use," returned Doctor Jay, so significantly that Edmund Clarke reddened, exclaiming: