"Yes. Tell Mrs. Cortlandt that I am dining at the University Club." He went slowly down the steps and out through the flowering shrubs.
XXIII
A PLOT AND A SACRIFICE
Kirk never passed a more unpleasant night than the one which followed.
In the morning he went straight to Runnels with the statement that he
could take no part in the little testimonial they had intended to give
Cortlandt.
"But it's too late now to back out. I saw him at the University Club last evening and fixed the date for Saturday night."
"Did you tell him I was in the affair?"
"Certainly. I said it was your idea. It affected him deeply, too. I never saw a chap so moved over a little thing."
Kirk thought quickly. Perhaps Edith had spoken rashly in her
excitement, and her husband did not know her feelings after all.
Perhaps he only suspected. In that case it would never do to withdraw.
It would seem like a confession of guilt.
"If he has accepted, that ends it, I suppose," he said, finally.
"What has happened?" Runnels was watching him sharply.