“That I have already been privileged to do,” said Mr. Robles, as he smiled down on the young girl by his side. Their eyes met, and a look of grave earnestness came into Merle’s.
“And the second item of news, Mr. Robles?” she asked, in a low tone. “I hope it is also gladsome tidings.”
“Oh, it is of comparative unimportance,” he answered. “Simply that I am going away on a long journey, and may not see all you happy young people again for quite awhile.”
Merle’s face fell. “I am so sorry,” she murmured, a note of real feeling in the softly-spoken words.
“As you grow older you will realize that the world is full of partings, Merle,” he answered.
“But why should there be partings among us?” she protested. “Now that Dick is free, there is not a shadow on all our happiness. And we do so wish you to share it, Mr. Robles. It will not be just the same if you are gone.”
“It is very kind of you to think like that.”
“That’s just how we all think,” interjected Grace. “But when duty calls, one must needs answer,” replied Robles. “Right there is an end to all argument.”
“And where are you going this time, Mr. Robles?” enquired Merle.
“On a long journey—as far as Europe, I hope. But my plans are not quite certain, except that I start tonight. However, I shall be in correspondence with Mrs. Darlington, and I trust that when you young people come to make that contemplated foreign tour, your footsteps will be turned in my direction. Meanwhile you have, all of you, as you already know, my warmest congratulations and heartiest good wishes.”