'Good,' answered the boy. 'I know a cunnin' holler tree. So long, Harry.'
'So long, mate.'
Dick liked the word mate; it touched him nearly with its fine hint of equality and community of interests; it seemed to suit their romantic conspiracy, too, and sent him away with a little glow of pride in his heart.
When Harry re-entered his own home he found his mother seated as he had left her. She arose and approached him, placing a hand on either shoulder.
'Well, my boy?'
'Well, mother?
'You have seen her?'
'Yes. I've taken her to the homestead. She is dazed. It seems as if she no longer cared.'
'It will pass, Henry.'
'You think my love will pass?'