"You've made up your
mind; I can see that. Have you told Caroline? Does she know?"
"Yes. You'll have to excuse me, Captain Warren; my train is coming."
"What did she say?"
Pearson smiled, but there was little mirth in the smile. "I think she
agrees with me that it is best," he observed.
"Humph! She does, hey? I want to know! Look here, Jim! have you and
she--"
He got no further, for Pearson broke away, and, with a hurried "Good
night," strode up the platform to meet the city-bound train. Captain
Elisha watched it go and then walked slowly homeward, his hands in his
pockets, troubled and wondering.
He entered the house by the back door, a remnant of South Denboro habit,
and found Annie in the kitchen.
"Where's Caroline?" he asked.
"She's in the living room, sir, I think. Mr. Pearson has been here and
just gone."
"Um-hm. So I heard. Say, Annie, you needn't hurry dinner; I ain't ready
for it yet awhile."
He hung his coat and hat in the back hall and quietly entered the living
room. The lamp was not lighted, and the room was dark, but he saw his
niece, a shadowy figure, seated by the window. He crossed to her side.
"Well, Caroline," he said, cheerfully, "I'm home again."
She turned. "I see you are," she answered.
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