“Only—” began Janice—and then she stopped and lifted a warning finger.
Jack listened and a stealthy creak betrayed Lucinda’s proximity somewhere in the vicinity.
It was plain to be seen that there were many issues to be kept in mind, and the young man grit his teeth because he didn’t dare embrace his betrothed, and then walked away in the direction of Aunt Mary’s room.
If she was glad to see him! One would have supposed that ten years and two oceans had elapsed since their last meeting the month before.
She fairly screamed with joy.
“Jack!—You dear, dear, dear boy! Well, if I ever did!—When did you come?”
He was by the bed hugging her. “And how are they all? How is the city? Oh, Jack, if I could only go back with you this time!”
“Never mind, Aunt Mary; you’ll be coming soon—in the spring, you know.”
Aunt Mary sank back on the pillows.
“Jack,” she said, “if I have to wait for spring, I shall die. I ain’t strong enough to be able to bear livin’ in the country much longer. I’ve pretty much made up my mind to buy a house in town and just keep this place so’s to have somewhere to put Lucinda.”