"Perhaps,after all,you will be able to wait for a little more chin than Miss Caton has.Of course she's a very nicegirl and all that."Bonnell smiled at the carpet.
They talked on for half an hour of mutual friends over cups of tea,and then he rose to go.
"Eloise will be sorry!"said Mrs.Evringham effusively."It's such a long way out here and so difficult for you to get the time.It isn't as if you could come easily.""Oh,I have several days here.I'm staying at the Reeves's.Do you know them?""No,"returned the lady,trying to conceal that this was a blow.
"It is Mr.Reeves with whom I am going into business,and we are doing some preliminary work.I shall see Eloise soon.Remember me to her.""Yes,certainly,"replied Mrs.Evringham.She kept a stiff upper lip until she was alone,and then a troubled line grew in her forehead.
"It will be all right,of course,if things are settled,"she thought.
"I can scarcely wait for Eloise to come home."Jewel had come from the barn straight to her room,where she thought upon her problem with the aids she loved.
At last she went downstairs to a side door to watch for Zeke as he drove from the barn on his way to the station to meet Mr.Evringham.
As the horse walked out of the barn she emerged and intercepted the coachman.