I promised Elbridge that I would call around and see him about a little matter of business, and I must keep my word.

I had forgotten the engagement until it crossed my mind while reading." "If you have an engagement." There was a certain emphasis in the words of Mrs.Wilkinson that caused her husband to partly turn his face away.
"I have, dear.

But for that, I should not think of leaving you alone." Almost instinctively Mrs.Wilkinson withdrew the hands she had placed upon the shoulder of her husband, and receded from him a step or two; at the same time her face was bent downwards, and her eyes rested upon the floor.
For some moments Mr.Wilkinson stood as if in earnest debate with himself; then he said, in a cheerful, lively tone-- "Good-by, love.

I shall only be gone half an hour." And turning away, left the room.

He did not pause until he was in the street.