"I thought I'd rather look at
the backs of books than at the fronts of all those tedious pictures.
Besides, I'm beginning to practice for my call at your new quarters." Then,
with a sudden afterthought: "Why, I understood you were going somewhere out
of town. What prevented?"
"Well, I changed my plans. I needed a little more time for my house-
furnishing. I was looking yesterday at some table-ware for your use; am
wondering, in fact, if Mrs. Phillips couldn't arrange to give me the
benefit of her taste to-morrow or Tuesday...."
"She likes to shop," replied Foster, "and taste is her strong suit. I'll
speak to her,--she's gone off to some meeting or other. Isn't this just the
afternoon to be spending indoors?" he commented brusquely. "What a day it
would be for the country," he added, sending his ineffectual glance in the
direction of Randolph's face.
"We Churchtonians must take what we can get," Randolph replied, with an
attempt at indifference. "Our _rus in urbs_ isn't everything, but
there are times when it must be made to serve."
Foster said nothing. Silent conjecture, seemingly, was offered him as his
part.
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