He stood a moment irresolutely looking, in his helpless dumb way, at his wife, who was so beautifully expounding the message of the flowers.
Camilla handed him the box. She understood.
Mrs. Francis noticed the valise in her husband's hand.
"How very suddenly you make up your mind, James," she said. "Are you actually going away on the train to-night? Really James, I believe I shall write a little sketch for our church paper. Pearl's thoughtfulness has moved me, James. It really has touched me deeply. If you were not so engrossed in business, James, I really believe it would move you; but men are so different from us, Camilla. They are not so soulful. Perhaps it is just as well, but really sometimes, James, I fear you give business too large a place in your life. It is all business, business, business."
Mrs. Francis opened her desk, and drawing toward her her gold pen and dainty letter paper, began her article.
Camilla followed Mr. Francis into the hall, and helped him to put on his overcoat. She handed him his hat with something like reverence in her manner.
"You are upon the King's business to-night," she said, with shining eyes, as she opened the door for him.
He opened his mouth as if to speak, but only waved his hand with an impatient gesture and was gone.