"There is nothing I should like better, Mr. Holt," said Peter, simply, gazing off across the lawn. "Unfortunately I have to leave for the West to-night."
"Before you go," said Honora, "you must see this wonderful place. Come, we'll begin with the garden."
She had a desire now to take him away by himself, something she had wished, an hour ago, to avoid.
"Wouldn't you like a runabout?" suggested Joshua, hospitably.
Honora thanked him.
"I'm sure Mr. Erwin would rather walk," she replied.
"Come, Peter, you must tell me all the news of home."
Spence accepted his dismissal with a fairly good grace, and gave no evidence of jealousy. He put his hand on Peter's shoulder.
"If you're ever in New York, Erwin," said he, "look me up Dallam and Spence. We're members of the Exchange, so you won't have any trouble in finding us. I'd like to talk to you sometime about the West."
Peter thanked him.