Editha had told her maid that she need not sit up for her, as it would doubtless be very late when she returned from the park; but she almost regretted that she had done so, for, on reaching her room, and with the false strength which excitement gives gone, she found herself very weak and weary.
She sank listlessly into a chair and began removing her ornaments, and while thus engaged there came a knock upon her door.
Almost simultaneously it was opened, for she had not locked it, and Mr. Dalton thrust in his head.
“Where is Annie?” he asked.
“In bed, papa. I told her she need not wait for me. Do you want anything very particularly?”
“I want to see you,” he replied, coming in and shutting the door. “I am sorry it is so late. I wish we had come home earlier. I have had bad news. I have important business, that calls me home immediately,” he concluded, speaking disconnectedly and excitedly.
“Home?” exclaimed Editha, greatly surprised, and feeling deeply disappointed, for, of course, she knew he would expect her to go with him. Besides, she could not bear the thought of leaving so soon after Madam Sylvester’s arrival.
“Yes; we must start by six to-morrow morning. Can you be ready?”
“So soon?” she said, with a weary sigh.
“Yes; I must go immediately. If there was a train in an hour, and we could get ready, I would take it,” he answered, excitedly.