Elizabeth laughed and coloured a little, with no displeased expression. The laugh subsided and her face became very grave again as the gentlemen made their parting bows.
The brothers walked home in silence, till they had near reached their own door.
"How easily you make a straight way for yourself anywhere!"
Rufus said suddenly and with half a breath of a sigh.
"What do you mean?" said Winthrop starting.
"You always did."
"What?"
"What you pleased."
"Well?" said Winthrop smiling.
"You may do it now. And will to the end of your life."
"Which seems to afford you somehow a gloomy prospect of contemplation," said his brother.