"When Patty marries, mother," said John, "you shall come and live with Kate and me."
"You are moving me around like a piece of useless furniture," replied Patty, with some resentment. "I doubt if I shall ever marry."
"Bosh!" laughed John. "There'll come some bold Lochinvar for you, one of these days; and then off you'll go. There's the bell. That must be Dick."
Patty and Mrs. Jack crossed glances quickly. John went to the door himself and brought Warrington back with him.
"Won't you have a cup of tea, Mr. Warrington?" asked the mother.
"Thank you, I will." Warrington stirred the tea, gazing pleasantly from face to face.
The lines in his face seemed deeper than usual; the under lids of the eyes were dark, and the squareness of the jaw was more prominent. John saw no change, but the three women did. Warrington looked careworn.
"Well, John, I see that you have done it."
"Yes."
"I'm terribly sorry, but you couldn't back down now and live in town."