Both wanted to weigh the disaster confronting the project.

In town they sought out McDonnell, who promised to have his attorney go into the matter at once and who appeared very grave at the news.

Then they returned to the hotel to await their train.
Here Lee was surprised to encounter Ruth in company of Gretzinger, Charlie Menocal, and a Kennard girl with whom he was not acquainted.
Ruth and Imogene, he learned, had come down the day before with the New Yorker and were staying at the McDonnell home.
"We're just roaming around and amusing ourselves," Ruth said, slipping her arm within Lee's.

"Come on and join us." Lee smilingly shook his head.
"Can't possibly do it," said he.

"I'm leaving for the capital soon." Ruth drew him aside.
"But give me ten minutes of your time before you go, will you, dear ?" she asked.