Some matters of business routine called Ned Newton from the room while Tom was still telephoning, and when the financial manager returned he heard his chum say:
"Well, of course if it's all arranged there isn't anything more to be said, I suppose." A pause. Then: "Of course I'll come over to see you off. But—it's pretty sudden. What's that? Oh, yes, of course." Then the good-bye.
Tom hung up the receiver with leaden fingers, and there was a listlessness in his walk as he went back to where he had been working. Ned tried to assume an air as if he had heard nothing, but it was impossible to ignore the fact that Tom had received some unpleasant news. If he wanted to speak of it—all right. If he didn't——
But Tom blurted it out.
"Mary's going away!"
"Away?"
"Oh, not for good," and Tom laughed nervously at Ned's startled implication. "It's just on a visit to some relatives she had been promising to go and see for a long time. Matters are now arranged and she is going."
"Rather—er—sudden, isn't it?" asked Ned. For Tom had spoken of his call on Mary the night before and had then made no mention of an impending visit.
"Yes, very sudden. She didn't tell me until just now, when I asked her to come over and take a look at the House on Wheels. But she says she will be too busy packing. Very sudden!" and Tom's voice had a new quality in it.
"Any special reason for her rush?" asked Ned, who felt privileged now that his chum had given him the opening.