He could not get his thoughts away from the fact of his son-in-law's absence.
"He will not be here to-night," replied Irene, a cold dead level in her voice, that Mr.Delancy well understood to be only a blind thrown up to conceal her deeply-disturbed feelings.
"Do you expect him to-morrow, my daughter ?" asked Mr.Delancy, a few moments afterward, speaking as if from a sudden thought or a sudden purpose.

There was a meaning in his tones that showed his mind to be in a state not prepared to brook evasion.
"I do," was the unhesitating answer; and she turned and looked calmly at her father, whose eyes rested with a fixed, inquiring gaze upon her countenance.

But half her face was lit by a reflection from the glowing grate, while half lay in shadow.

His reading, therefore was not clear.
If Irene had shown surprise at the question, her father would have felt better satisfied.

He meant it as a probe; but if a tender spot was reached, she had the self-control not to give a sign of pain.