He is away somewhere in the city--on business." "I shall be glad to see you, father, if you can spare me a minute." "Certainly, my child--an hour if it will serve you.

Hours are not scarce with me now, as they used to be when I was Anton's age, and as they are with him now.

Hours, and minutes too, are very scarce with Anton in these days.

Then he led the way up the dark stairs to the sitting-room, and Nina followed him.

Nina and the elder Trendellsohn had always hitherto been friends.