Pearson smiled, but there was little mirth in the smile. “I think she agrees with me that it is best,” he observed.
“Humph! She does, hey? I want to know! Look here, Jim! have you and she—”
He got no further, for Pearson broke away, and, with a hurried “Good night,” strode up the platform to meet the city-bound train. Captain Elisha watched it go and then walked slowly homeward, his hands in his pockets, troubled and wondering.
He entered the house by the back door, a remnant of South Denboro habit, and found Annie in the kitchen.
“Where’s Caroline?” he asked.
“She’s in the living room, sir, I think. Mr. Pearson has been here and just gone.”
“Um-hm. So I heard. Say, Annie, you needn’t hurry dinner; I ain’t ready for it yet awhile.”
He hung his coat and hat in the back hall and quietly entered the living room. The lamp was not lighted, and the room was dark, but he saw his niece, a shadowy figure, seated by the window. He crossed to her side.
“Well, Caroline,” he said, cheerfully, “I’m home again.”
She turned. “I see you are,” she answered.