"I guess you might like to have these for a while, Mr. Locke," he said, with one of his slow, straightforward glances.
With which farewells I had to be content, and watch their taxi swing out into the bright-dark flow of traffic where it was lost from my sight. After which, I entered another taxicab by my unromantic self and was driven to that railroad station where I would find a train bound to the college town that was the home of Aunt Caroline and her husband. One always thought of Phil's parents in that order, although the Professor was a moderately distinguished scientist and his spouse merely masterful in her own limited circle.
The envelope Vere had given me contained their marriage certificate, his release from the Navy, and his membership card in the American Legion.
CHAPTER IV
"Fair speech is more rare than the emerald found by slave maidens on the pebbles."—Ptah-Hotep.
At ten o'clock, next morning, I was summoned from my sleep by the bell of the telephone beside my bed. It was not a pleasant sleep, although I had not returned to my apartment until dawn. Nightmare doubts galloped ruthless hoofs over any repose.
Phillida's voice came over the wire to me like the morning song of a bird.
"Good-morning, Cousin Roger. We are going to take the train in a few moments. But I could not leave New York without telling you how happy I am. Are you—did I wake you up? I was afraid that I might, but Ethan said you would like me to call, even so."