Is the young gentleman expected shortly ?' 'He has gone away only this morning.

He will be back at Christmas.' 'Nothing could happen better.

You will, on his return at Christmas, arrange all matters of detail with him; you will then communicate with me; and I will discharge myself (as a mere business acquaintance) of my business responsibilities towards the accomplished lady in the corner window.

They will accrue at that season.' Blurring pencil once again.
'Memorandum, "Leave." Yes.

I will now, my dear, take my leave.' 'Could I,' said Rosa, rising, as he jerked out of his chair in his ungainly way: 'could I ask you, most kindly to come to me at Christmas, if I had anything particular to say to you ?' 'Why, certainly, certainly,' he rejoined; apparently--if such a word can be used of one who had no apparent lights or shadows about him--complimented by the question.