John felt the change. He was not a man of many words at any time; and any strong feeling only made him more silent. He kissed Letty.
"God bless you, my darling!" said he.
That was all; but Letty felt she was understood.
After supper, John sat down by the window, as usual; but he did not take his pipe.
"Where's the pipe?" asked Letty.
"Well," replied John, "I have about come to the conclusion, Letty, that I shall not smoke any more. It is an expensive habit, and, they say, not a very healthy one,—though I don't know that it has ever hurt me; but I don't want to make myself a slave to any sensual indulgence: so I have a mind to see how I can do without tobacco, just for the trial's sake. I suppose you will not be very sorry to miss the pipe?"
"Why, no," said Letty. "I did not wish to interfere with your pleasures; but I never did like the pipe; and I used sometimes to think how I should feel to see—" she pauses a moment, and then went bravely on,—"to see Alick, perhaps, at thirteen or fourteen, sucking a cigar or smoking a pipe."
"True," replied John; "I thought of that, too. Have you seen Agnes to-day?"
"Yes; I went over there a few minutes after Dr. Woodman had gone. I am afraid they have a great deal of trouble before them, John."
"I am afraid they have, in more ways than one," replied John. "Joe is making up his mind to give up his present situation."