"You have not told me when he is to go, Horace."
"Well, no. I was keeping that to the last. I was afraid the shortness of the time would upset you, and I wanted you to be clear about the other things. I am sorry to say that Mr. Johnston’s affairs are obliging him to hurry matters; he and Dick Thornton are to start on the second of March, and of course it will be well that Walter should accompany them. When a thing has to be done, it is better to get it over and—"
But this attempt at philosophy died away on his lips as he saw the whiteness of his wife’s face.
"The second of March!" she faltered; "that is only a fortnight. Oh, Horace, Horace! only a fortnight!"