"I did my best," said Mr. Smithson, in a surly voice.

"I know you did," said Mrs. Phipps, thoughtfully, "and I am sure I am
much obliged to you. If there is anything of yours I can look after at
any time I shall be only too pleased. When did you say Mr. Clarkson was
coming back?"

"He don't know," said Mr. Smithson, promptly. "He might be away a month;
and then, again, he might be away six. It all depends. You know what
business is."

"It's very thoughtful of him," said Mrs. Phipps. "Very."

"Thoughtful!" repeated Mr. Smithson.

"He has gone away for a time out of consideration for me," said the
widow. "As things are, it is a little bit awkward for us to meet much at
present."

"I don't think he's gone away for that at all," said the other, bluntly.

Mrs. Phipps shook her head. "Ah, you don't know him as well as I do,"
she said, fondly. "He has gone away on my account, I feel sure."

Mr. Smithson screwed his lips together and remained silent.

"When he feels that it is right and proper for him to come back," pursued
Mrs. Phipps, turning her eyes upwards, "he will come. He has left his
comfortable home just for my sake, and I shall not forget it."