Miss Crawford was somewhat mollified, but she returned—“Zay must not be crowded out of her mother’s heart.”
“Oh, there is no fear of that. If we had the six we planned for I think none of them would complain. Mother love is elastic.”
Willard and Zay were much engrossed making farewell calls. He was very bright and hopeful, picturing the points of interest he should see and the experience he should gain. And there would be letters. Three years would pass rapidly. He stipulated that the girls should not be married until his return.
“We have had such a nice long vacation with you,” said his mother, “and we must comfort ourselves with that; and I may come over to some port with the girls if you are to stay long enough. I feel as if I was just beginning to live a new life. Think, there have been times when I hardly expected to see one of you again. Now I am full of hope.”
“My blessed mother!”
He would write when he reached Washington and tell them what the plans were. If they were not quite ready Zay and his father might come on for a few days’ visit.
Zay kissed her mother and went to her room where she gave way to a violent fit of weeping.
“I ought to go to your mother,” said Aunt Kate. Major Crawford had gone to the station with his son.
“Oh, no, stay with me, she will have Marguerite. Oh, if Willard never never should come back! So many accidents happen,” she sobbed.
“Don’t let us think of that; so many come home safely. Oh, my child, try to be a little tranquil. He is here in the country yet and will not go away for several days. Summon your fortitude for the sake of the others.”