“Bob was at the University; I talked to him for ten minutes at a college function. Afterwards I did not see him until I visited relations at Winnipeg, three weeks before we met you at the station waiting-room.”
For a few moments Kit mused. Mrs. Austin was frank, and he wondered whether she meant to indicate that she was his friend.
“Ah,” he said, “I suppose one knows——”
Mrs. Austin smiled, but he thought the look she gave him queer.
“One knows the real thing.”
Kit wondered. For long he had hoped to marry Evelyn, if he got rich; but until he must start for Canada she had not moved him to keen romantic passion. All the same, one did not talk about things like that, and he must not bore Mrs. Austin.
“Fairmead’s an attractive spot; but after Toronto I expect it’s sometimes dreary,” he said. “The advantage is, Bob can get home from the bridge.”
“The advantage is important; but I doubt if we will stay for long. Bob’s ambitious and has talent. Besides, the bridge will presently be built.”
“It will not be built before the river freezes and much of the work must stop; but I understand, as far as possible, the engineers will carry on.”
“Are you anxious about your post?”