She went on: "And I can't quite think of this dear lady alone."
Nancy stopped her. "Don't speak of that, my dear. I don't want you to speak of it. It is right that Richard should go."
Anne was telling herself passionately that it was not right, when Beulah sent for her, and presently the little bride came down in her going-away gown, to be joined by Eric in the stiff clothes which seemed to rob him of the picturesqueness which belonged to him in less formal moments.
But Richard had no eyes for the bride and groom; he saw only Anne at the head of the stairway where he had first talked to her. How long ago it seemed, and how sweet she had been, and how shy.
The train was on the bridge, and a laughing crowd hurried out into the night to meet it. Peggy in the lead threw roses with a prodigal hand. "Kiss me, Beulah," she begged at the last.
Beulah bent down to her, then was lifted in Eric's strong arms to the platform. Then the train drew out and she was gone!
Alone on the stairway, Anne and Richard had a moment before the crowd swept back upon them.
"Dr. Brooks, take your mother with you."
"She won't go."
"Then stay with her."