“We will get through this affair first, my dear. Here we are at the station. We’ll have to make a run for that train.”
They had taken a ferry during the conversation and by this time had reached Jersey City. Running through the gates they boarded the train just as the signal was given to pull out.
“My little girl, good-bye,” murmured Mr. Vance, clasping her to him for a brief second. “God bless and keep you, Jeanne. May He bring you safely back. Be brave,” he added, as he saw Jeanne’s lips quivering.
“I will,” sobbed Jeanne, breaking down completely as her father started away. “Oh, father, kiss me just once more.”
“Is it too much for you, my little girl?” Mr. Vance held her closely. “You need not go, Jeanne.”
“I want to. I am all right,” gasped Jeanne, controlling herself by an effort. “Now go, father, dear. See how brave I am.”
She smiled up at him through her tears. Mr. Vance regarded her anxiously.
“Go,” whispered Jeanne as the train began to move. Hastily her father left her. Jeanne leaned from the window and waved her hand as long as she could see him. But soon the train rounded a curve and he was lost to view. Then leaning back in her seat she gave herself up to her tears.