“That time is always now,” returned Nat, a fullness of gratitude in his voice.
His companion looked at him curiously. “I can't realize it.”
“Come and see,” was his reply.
“I will, I certainly will. I shall anticipate it with great pleasure.”
A very convenient place to prepare a part of Eloise's trousseau, Mrs. Evringham was considering, and the girl safely engaged, Nat's presence would have no terrors. “You think you are really getting into a good business arrangement now?” she asked aloud.
“Very. I wake up in the morning wondering at my own good fortune.”
“I am so glad, my dear boy,” responded the other sympathetically. “Perhaps, after all, you will be able to wait for a little more chin than Miss Caton has. Of course she's a very nice girl and all that.”
Bonnell smiled at the carpet.
They talked on for half an hour of mutual friends over cups of tea, and then he rose to go.
“Eloise will be sorry!” said Mrs. Evringham effusively. “It's such a long way out here and so difficult for you to get the time. It isn't as if you could come easily.”