"Why?" Irene looked at her husband in surprise, and with a shade of disappointment on her countenance.
"I have business of importance with a gentleman who resides in Brooklyn, and have promised to meet him at his house this evening."
"You might call for me on your return," said Irene.
"The time of my return will be uncertain. I cannot now tell how late I may be detained in Brooklyn."
"I'm sorry." And Irene bent down her eyes in a thoughtful way. "I promised Mrs. Talbot to be there to-night," she added.
"Mrs. Talbot will excuse you when she knows why you were absent."
"I don't know about that," said Irene.
"She must be a very unreasonable woman," remarked Emerson.
"That doesn't follow. You could take me there, and Mrs. Talbot find me an escort home."
"Who?" Emerson knit his brows and glanced sharply at his wife. The suggestion struck him unpleasantly.