"It isn't so specially modern. It is just natural. The doctors say he has to get out of the city. His mother thinks she has to get back to the girls, and she also thinks there is no doctor in the world equal to Doctor Tom and wants him to set his eye on Phil. Of course, he can't go to 'Hester house.' That would be too absurd and he'd hate it anyway--with all those sympathetic females in attendance. There is always plenty of room at the Hall, and it is lovely there in April. So he's coming," she concluded.
"Reasons as plenty as blackberries," jeered Suzanne. "Perfectly well explained. What do you happen to be doing with your fiancé in the meantime?"
Sylvia looked up at that, meeting Suzanne's eyes squarely.
"I haven't any," she announced quietly. "Jack has known for three weeks I wasn't going to marry him. In fact, he suggested it himself."
"More and more modern," approved Suzanne. "It is indeed well to be off with the old love before you are on with the new. When are you going to announce your next engagement?"
"Maybe never," said Sylvia so soberly that Suzanne relented and obligingly turned the fire on herself.
"Speaking of being off with the old love, it seems to be the one thing I can't manage. Roger and I have decided we miss quarreling so much when we are separated that it's simpler and more agreeable to get married and quarrel in peace."
At which last Suzannesque paradox Sylvia and Barb laughed and proffered congratulations.
"Better offer Roger condolences instead," advised Suzanne. "I shall lead him a life."
"Is he coming to New York to live?" inquired Barb, remembering her friend's urban preferences.