"I—oh, of course, I miss them greatly; but Leila needs the contact with the social life she now has in the weekly holiday at Baltimore; and as for John, did it never occur to you that he ought to be among men of his age—and social position—and women too, who will not, I fancy, count for much in the 'West Point education.'
"Yes—yes, what you say is true of course, but ah! I dread for him the temptations of another life than this."
"Would you keep him here longer, if you could?" she asked.
"No. What would life be worth or how could character be developed without temptation? That is one of my puzzles about the world to come, a world where there would be no 'yes and no' would hardly be worth while."
"And quite beyond me," cried Ann, laughing. "We have done our best for them. Let us pray that they will not forget. I have no fear for Leila. I do not know about John. I must go home. Come often. Good-night. I suppose the sermon takes you away so early."
"Yes—more or less, and I am poor company just now. Good-night."
CHAPTER XV
When at breakfast on a Monday morning Penhallow said, "That mail is late again," his wife knew that he was still eager for news from John.
"The mail is always late on Monday morning, James. If you are in haste to get to the mills, I will send it after you."
"No, it is unimportant, Ann. Another cup, please. Ah! there it is now."
He went out on to the porch. "You are late, Billy."