“As right as right can be,” she repeated, as she went over to the sofa where Mrs Esselmont was sitting. “And now you will have your Mary home again,” said she.
Her Mary was there already. A fair, slender woman with a delicate face, was holding out her hand to Allison.
“I am glad to see the Allison of whom my mother has so often told me,” said she.
“And I am glad you are come home for her sake,” said Allison.
There was no long discussion of the matter needed after this. Mr Rainy might be trusted to complete all arrangements as speedily as might be, and it was with a lightened heart that Allison saw one after another of those concerned take their departure.
Captain Douglas had still something to say to Allison, and he came and sat down by the side of his wife.
“Have you heard from your brother lately? Do you know that I went to see him before I left America?”
“No,” said Allison in surprise. “I have had no letter for a month and more. Was it by chance that you met in that great country?”
“Oh! no. When Mr Rainy told me of your decision, he also told me that you had a brother in America, and gave me his address. The place was not very faraway from the town where we were stationed, and I made up my mind to see him before I returned home. Mr Rainy could not tell me whether you had consulted with your brother or not, and I thought it was right for your sake as well as for my own, that I should see him and learn his opinion of the matter.”
“Well?” said Allison anxiously.