Page:The Fruit of the Tree (Wharton 1907).djvu/99

Rh too. Ring for Ropes, and we’ll look up a train for you.”

Mr. Tredegar appeared slightly rufﬂed at this prompt acquiescence in his threatened departure. “Of course, if I had been notiﬁed in advance, I might have arranged to postpone my engagements another day; but in any case, it is quite out of the question that I should return in a week—and quite unnecessary,” he added, snapping his lips shut as though he were closing his last portmanteau.

“Oh, quite—quite,” Mr. Langhope assented. “It isn’t, in fact, in the least necessary for any of us either to stay on now or to return. Truscomb could come to Long Island when he recovers, and answer any questions we may have to put; but if Bessy has sent for the child, we must of course put off going for today—at least I must,” he added sighing, “and, though I know it’s out of the question to exact such a sacriﬁce from you, I have a faint hope that our delightful friend here, with the altruistic spirit of her sex"

“Oh, I shall enjoy it—my maid is unpacking,” Mrs. Ansell gaily afﬁrmed; and Mr. Tredegar, shrugging his shoulders, said curtly: “In that case I will ring for the time-table.”

When he had withdrawn to consult it in the seclusion of the library, and Mrs. Ansell, affecting a sudden desire for a second cup of tea, had reseated herself to [ 85 ]