Presently Elvine looked up. She did not turn at once to the husband at her side. Her gaze was directed ahead. It ignored the scene of undulating plain, and the distant ramparts of wooded hills. It saw nothing but the images in her own brain, and the conjured thoughts of a troubled heart and conscience.
"You see it's important," Jeff said, with a feeling that the news in the letter had caused disappointment.
"I s'pose it is."
There was a curious lack of interest in the woman manner. Her tone was listless.
"I'm afraid I'll have to go." The man felt he was apologizing, and it seemed absurd that apology should be required. Then he reminded her. "You see, these things come with my work as President. It's pretty good if you think. Guess I'll only be from home one night."
"You must go—I s'pose?"
The man's eyes widened.
"Sure."
"But it seems unfair you should be put to all this for nothing."
Jeff shook his head.