I am sorry that you did not find me at home, but if it is anything urgent and you have half an hour to spare----" He stopped in his speech, silenced by a shock of something like shame.
He was prevaricating.

He knew perfectly well that "it" was the most urgent errand a man could have, next to his duty to his country, that had brought the young sailor to his house.

Twenty-four hours ago he would not have noticed such a trifle: but it was no trifle now; for to his clearer vision it was a sin, an evasion of the immutable laws of Truth, utterly unworthy of the companion of Nitocris the Queen in that other existence which he had just left.
"You have seen Niti, I suppose ?" he continued, with singular directness.
"Yes," replied Merrill.

"You will remember that the week was up this morning, and so I called to learn my fate, and your daughter has told me.

I presume that your decision is final, and that, therefore, there is nothing more to be said on the subject." "My decisions are usually final, Mr Merrill, because I do not arrive at them without due consideration.