"But surely you might have waited for your journey. . .until after our water-party. . ." she said, still speaking quickly and nervously. "Surely this business is not so urgent. . .and you said nothing about it--just now.""My business, as I had the honour to tell you, Madame, is as unexpected as it is urgent. . . . May I therefore crave your permission to go. . . . Can I do aught for you in town?. . .on my way back?""No. . .no. . .thanks. . .nothing. . .But you will be back soon?""Very soon."
"Before the end of the week?"
"I cannot say."
He was evidently trying to get away, whilst she was straining every nerve to keep him back for a moment or two.
"Percy," she said, "will you not tell me why you go to-day?
Surely I, as your wife, have the right to know. You have NOT been called away to the North. I know it. There were no letters, no couriers from there before we left for the opera last night, and nothing was waiting for you when we returned from the ball. . . . You are NOT going to the North, I feel convinced. . . . There is some mystery. . .and. . .""Nay, there is no mystery, Madame," he replied, with a slight tone of impatience. "My business has to do with Armand. . .there!
Now, have I your leave to depart?"
