"
As he seemed to be waiting for a response, John Milton said simply:
"I suppose it's because they have not been here long, and are somewhat
reserved."
Mr. Fletcher laid aside the manuscript and letter, and took up his
apparently suspended work.
"When you see this Mrs.--Mrs. Ashwood again, you might say"--
"I shall not see her again," interrupted John Milton hastily.
Mr. Fletcher shrugged his shoulders. "Very well," he said with a
peculiar smile, "I will write to her. Now, Mr. Harcourt," he continued
with a sudden business brevity, "if you please, we'll drop this affair
and attend to the matter for which I just summoned you. Since yesterday
an important contract for which I have been waiting is concluded, and
its performance will take me East at once. I have made arrangements that
you will be left in the literary charge of the 'Clarion.' It is only a
fitting recompense that the paper owes to you and your father,--to whom
I hope to see you presently reconciled. But we won't discuss that now!
As my affairs take me back to Los Gatos within half an hour, I am sorry
I cannot dispense my hospitality in person,--but you will dine and
sleep here to-night. Good-by. As you go out will you please send up Mr.
Jackson to me." He nodded briefly, seemed to plunge instantly into his
papers again, and John Milton was glad to withdraw.
The shock he had felt at Mrs.
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