“Yes, my child,” replied the professor.
“And then we shall go to see Hilda?”
“Yes, she expects us in a month.”
“And after that?”
“We shall return home. It will be time, I think, after two months‘’ absence.”
In fact, that was the longest time the professor had ever been absent from his cherished home.
These few words produced an expression of suffering on Clement’s face which he could not conceal. His mother observed it and questioned him with a look. But Clement turned his eyes away, and did not raise them again till the end of the silent meal, though he keenly felt another look besides his mother’s fastened on him.
“Clement, I have something to say to you,” said his mother as soon as dinner was over. He rose instantly, and followed her into the garden, but before leaving the room he said:
“Father, will you allow me a few minutes‘’ conversation with you afterwards? I have several things to tell you.”
“Yes, my dear son, I will wait for you.” And the professor turned towards the library, where he always spent an hour after dinner.