But the observation Mrs. Arling was, a few minutes later, making to Mrs. Nelson, is more to the point:
"My dear Caroline, I just dropped in to tell you how sorry and how glad I am."
Mrs. Arling was fair, round and vivacious. The woman to whom she talked was dark and slender, but also vivacious. The latter smiled.
"It is lonesome, Mary; but you know we can't keep them home forever."
"No, indeed," agreed Mrs. Arling, "that's what I tell my silly old man when he gets to worrying about our boy, who's only twelve. Let them go—they'll be glad to come back."
"It's all very well for you to sit there and act brave," laughed Mrs. Nelson, "but wait till the day arrives."
The force of the argument told on Mrs. Arling.
"Maybe you're right, Caroline," she admitted. "But it must be a great consolation to see Evan enter such a splendid business."
"That is what consoles me, Mary. Banking is such a respectable, genteel occupation!"
The dark woman's eyes were bright; she spoke with great pride.