"Sir," he stammered, flinging the detaining hand from his arm,--"sir!" And then, for the first time since Archibald Howe took orders, an oath burst from his lips; he struck his stick madly against the table, and rushed from the room.
Alfaretta was lying in wait for him at the garden gate, a large and rustic bunch of flowers in her hand, which she hoped he would carry to Helen.
"How's Mrs.Ward ?" she said, trying to detain him.

"When will she be home ?" "Get out of my way, girl!" he cried, and, slamming the gate behind him, he strode down the street..