Page:Maud Howe - Atlanta in the South.djvu/121

 "Drop it."

And he did.

"Do you know, Mr. Rondelet, that you have not dined here since that night when our dear Ruysdales dined with us for the first time?" said Mrs. Harden.

"Is it so long ago?" queried the guest.

"Yes. Don't you remember that you were called away before we had been fifteen minutes at the table? That was the first I had heard of your having resumed your practice or your title. My husband said at the time that it was always a thing to be remembered in inviting medical men to dine, that they are so apt to be sent for. I don't think you ever told us about the case."

"It was an urgent one, madam, as the messenger said."

"There was such an odd message: something about a lady waiting in the carriage," she continued, entirely ignoring her husband's warning looks. Philip bowed silently, and emptied his glass.

"My dear, it is very warm here. Let us adjourn to the library," said Darius Harden, breaking an awkward pause.

Mrs. Harden rose, and laying her hand on Philip's arm, left the room. At the threshold she gave one significant glance at her husband,