When Miss Flora had gone, Miss Maggie turned to Mr. Smith with eyes that still carried dazed unbelief.
“Did Flora say that Frank Blaisdell had sold his grocery stores?”
“She certainly did! You seem surprised.”
“I’m more than surprised. I’m dumfounded.”
“Why? You don’t think, like Mrs. Jane, that he ought not to enjoy his money, certainly?”
“Oh, no. He’s got money enough to retire, if he wants to, and he’s certainly worked hard enough to earn a rest.”
“Then what is it?”
Miss Maggie laughed a little.
“I’m not sure I can explain. But, to me, it’s—just this: while he’s got plenty to retire upon, he hasn’t got anything to—to retire to.”
“And, pray, what do you mean by that?”