"I wonder what'll have happened by the time we all see our next tow go down," Josie said, as they started towards home.
"We may see a good many more than one before the general exodus," her brother answered.
"But we won't have time to come watch for them. Oh, Paul, just think, only a little while now—"
Tom slipped into step with Hilary, a little behind the others. "I never supposed the old soul had it in her," he said, glancing to where Jane trudged heavily on ahead. "Still, I suppose she was young—once; though I've never thought of her being so before."
"Yes," Hilary said. "I wonder,—maybe, she's been better off, after all, right, here at home. She wouldn't have got to be Sextoness Jane anywhere else, probably."
Tom glanced at her quickly. "Is there a hidden meaning—subject to be carefully avoided?"
Hilary laughed. "As you like."
"So you and Paul are off on your travels, too?"
"Yes, though I can hardly believe it yet."
"And just as glad to go as any of us."