"The Colonel was very sociable, and inquired most kindly about you, and the sickness of your husband."
The widow smiled faintly. She was gratified by the interest shown by the Colonel.
The friends now rose to go, each bidding her good-by, and expressing the hope that she would be calm. Her sister bowed them out. When she returned, she said:
"You can see, my love, what the neighbors think of it. I wouldn't have had anything unfortunate to happen for a good deal. But nothing did. The arrangements couldn't have been better."
"I think some of the people in the neighborhood must have been surprised to see so many of the uptown people here," suggested the afflicted woman, trying to look hopeful.
"You may be quite sure of that," asserted the sister. "I could see that plain enough by their looks."
"Well, I am glad there is no occasion for talk," said the widow, smoothing the skirt of her dress.
And after that the boys took the chairs home, and the house was put in order.