“Yes, bless you, uncle! But how soon? How soon?”
“This very day, if Odalite and her mother agree.”
“Let us walk faster, uncle! Please!” pleaded the impatient lover.
“My dear Le! Consider—consider my rheumatism! Besides, look! There is no car near the gate, and we shall pass through before one comes up.”
Le saw at once that fast walking would not bring him any sooner to the side of his sweetheart, and so he moderated his haste.
They reached the gate just as a car came up, and they entered it while the horses were being unharnessed and turned around.
“If one had but wings!” said Le.
“You would find them inconvenient on most occasions,” replied Mr. Force.
Several other passengers now entered the car, and it started on its uptown trip.
Passengers from the sidewalks, however, continued to stop the car and crowd in until it was more than full, for every seat was occupied, and all the standing room between the rows, as well as both platforms before and behind.