From one reflection to another, he came at last to the conclusion that she must be anxious to learn some details concerning the Doctor's departure, from which again he argued that Claudius had not taken her into his confidence.

The hypothesis that she might be willing to make an effort with him for Claudius's justification Mr.Barker dismissed as improbable.

And he was right.

He waited, therefore, for her to broach the subject, and confined himself, as they drove along, to remarks about the people they passed, the doings of the Newport summer, concerning which he had heard all the gossip during the last few hours, the prospect of Madame Patti in opera during the coming season, horses, dogs, and mutual friends--all the motley array of subjects permissible, desultory, and amusing.

Suddenly, as they bowled out on an open road by the sea, Margaret began.
"Why has Dr.Claudius gone abroad," she asked, glancing at Barker's face, which remained impenetrable as ever.