"But you won't have a very good chance then," she advanced. "You know there will be an awful rush at the carriage. You'd better come now."
He complied. He found Dora and Harold in the arms of Minnie and her mother. Both of the latter were weeping.
"I'd cry, too," Dora said, smiling sadly up at John, "but it would leave streaks of wet powder on my face. I am to be a pale and interesting bride. I'm sorry to leave you, brother John."
"Never mind, Sis," he said, bravely. "Everything goes in this life." She leaned toward him, and he kissed her. He was still a crude man and shrank from caressing even Dora in the presence of others.
"We'll meet again," she said, confidently; "don't let yourself believe otherwise."
"All right, I won't." He forced himself to smile.
"Ten o'clock!" cried out Mr. Kirkwood, who was ready at the door. "You mustn't miss that train. I'm going in to take my place. Come right in, Brother McGwire."
"Then this must be good-by, darling John," Dora whispered. "I know you won't want to push through the crowd to us afterward."
"Good-by—good-by," he said, and then he shook hands with Harold. "Good-by, Harold," he said. "I'm leaving her with you."
"I'll do my best, Mr. Trott," Harold said, feelingly. "She is a treasure and I am robbing you. God knows I wish it could be without pain to you."