When Cairy had left, Conny rose from her lounging position as if to resume the burden of life.
"It's the Commission?" she inquired.
"Yes! I sent you the governor's letter."
For a time they discussed the political situation in the new Commission, to which Woodyard had recently been appointed, his first conspicuous public position. Then his wife observed wearily: "I was at Potts's this morning and saw Isabelle Lane there. She was in mourning."
"Her father died,—you know we saw it in the papers."
"She must be awfully rich."
"He left considerable property,—I don't know to whom."
"Well, they are in New York. Her husband has been made something or other in the railroad, so they are going to live here."
"He is a very able man, I am told."
After a time Conny drawled: "I suppose we must have 'em here to dinner,—they are at a hotel up town. Whom shall we have?"