I have some writing I must do to-night, and I had forgotten it.

You and Helen will excuse me if I leave you a little while ?" Both the others protested: Gifford that he was driving Mr.Ward from his own fireside, and Helen that it was too late for work.
"No, you are not driving me away.

My papers are up-stairs.

I will see you again," he added, turning to Gifford; and then he closed the door, and they heard his step in the room above.
The interruption had brought him back to real life.

He left the joy which befogged his conscience, and felt again that chill and shock which Helen's words had given him, and that sudden pang of remorse for a neglected duty; he wanted to be alone, and to face his own thoughts.