Whether it was this reference to his wife, or whether some other matters were pressing heavily upon him, Maria had no means of knowing, but she was sure she heard him sigh and saw his lips contract spasmodically—signs of emotion which were very rare with him.
He finished his dinner in silence, but as she was about to leave the room with his tray he suddenly inquired:
"Maria, has Cliff come in yet?"
"Yes, sir; I met him in the hall as I was bringing up that last cup of coffee."
"Well, will you go to his door and ask him if he can spare me an hour this evening? Say that it is a matter of importance."
"All right, sir; I'll tell him," Maria responded, but with a sudden choking in her throat which rendered her utterance somewhat indistinct.
"And, Maria——"
"Yes, sir."
She paused with her hand upon the handle of the door, but did not look around.
"When I ring you may bring me that box, of which you told me to-day."