Lou thoughtlessly said something ill-advised.
"Got a new girl, brother?"
Mrs. Nelson blushed, but her Banker did not. He laughed.
"That's one thing we learn to forget," he said, brazenly.
The caresses of "sweethearts in every town" had had their effect. His sister gave him a rebuking look. He saw a question in her eyes and the shape of it resembled Frankie Arling's contour.
Some women prefer suspense to disappointment. Mrs. Arling evidently did not, for she asked, palpitatingly:
"When are you going back?"
Evan was embarrassed. He evaded the question.
"It's too early to speak of that, mother," he fenced. "Our manager is delicate and apt to break down at any time. I promised to be back—soon. I am the whole thing up at Banfield."
"Are you teller yet?" asked Lou.