“But do you know why he wants me?”
“I haven't the least idea. Let me tell him you'll come!” entreated Gibbs.
“Very well, but I'll come after dinner,” said Stephen.
“You won't dine with us?”
“I can't, general;” and his tone was so final, that Gibbs forebore to urge him further.
“I'll tell, Jake then, that you'll drop in during the evening,” he said as he took his leave.
Stephen did not tell Wade of his promise, and he did not tell Virginia, but after supper at the cottage he excused himself and set out for the lawyer's. He found Benson and Gibbs waiting his coming over their wine.
Benson welcomed him kindly and as though nothing had happened to mar their relation; while the general nodded and winked reassuringly over a long and very black cigar.
They talked of indifferent things for a time, and if he had not known of the events of that morning, Stephen would have supposed that nothing unusual had taken place, and that the day had been like many other days at the office. Even Gibbs had recovered from the shock of Virginia's charge, and save that he looked a little haggard, there was nothing to indicate the strain of the emotions by which he had been buffeted earlier in the day. As for Benson himself, he was as inscrutable as ever. His face told no secrets. At last he rose from his chair.
“Stay here, Gibbs,” he said to the general. And to Stephen. “Come with me;” and Stephen followed him into the library.