“No, unless they wanted you to. Leave it entirely up to them.”
“I was thinking maybe I’d just write my resignation to the settlement.”
Mr. Richards was silent for a moment; indeed Marjorie began to wonder whether he were still on the wire.
“Of course you must do just as you think best,” he concluded. “And I wouldn’t let it worry me too much. After all, there are plenty of troops.”
“Thank you,” she replied slowly, “I’ll think it over.”
“And do let me hear from you soon,” he added.
Marjorie, however, was not satisfied; the conversation had not convinced her one way or the other. In fact, Mr. Richards’ arguments on the one side had not been so conclusive as Mrs. Hadley’s, on the other.
Turning around, she saw John enter the living room. Mechanically she got up to greet him.
“Marjorie!” he exclaimed, warmly, his eyes lighting up with happiness. “This is a joyous surprise!”
“A surprise,” repeated the girl, “but as your mother will tell you, not so joyful for you people. I’m afraid that I’m not very good company.”