“I've had an awfully good time,” declared the former. Then, turning to Mrs. Wyeth, he asked: “May I call occasionally?”
Mrs. Wyeth's answer was, as usual, frank and unmistakable.
“Yes,” she said. “I shall be very glad to see you—occasionally.”
Crawford turned to Mary.
“May I?” he asked.
Mary scarcely knew how to reply. There was no real reason why he should not call; she liked him so far. His frankness and earnestness of purpose appealed to her. And yet she was not at all sure that it was wise to continue the acquaintance. In her mind this coming to Boston to school was a very serious matter. Her uncles had sent her there to study; they needed her at home, but that need they had sacrificed in order that she might study and improve. Nothing else, friendships or good times or anything, must interfere with the purpose with which she had accepted the sacrifice.
So she hesitated.
“May I?” repeated Crawford.
“Why, I don't know. I imagine I shall be very busy most of the time.”
“That's all right. If you're busy you can send word for me to vamoose. That will be part of the bargain. Good-by.”