"Well, here we are," said Drouet, leading the way to the door.
"Good-bye, till I see you Monday."
"Good-bye," she answered, taking his proffered hand.
"Remember, I'll be looking till you find your sister."
She smiled into his eyes.
They filed out, and he affected to take no notice of her.A
lean-faced, rather commonplace woman recognised Carrie on the platform and hurried forward.
"Why, Sister Carrie!" she began, and there was embrace of welcome.
Carrie realised the change of affectional atmosphere at once.
Amid all the maze, uproar, and novelty she felt cold reality taking her by the hand.No world of light and merriment.No round of amusement.Her sister carried with her most of the grimness of shift and toil.
"Why, how are all the folks at home?" she began; "how is father, and mother?"
Carrie answered, but was looking away.Down the aisle, toward the gate leading into the waiting-room and the street, stood Drouet.He was looking back.When he saw that she saw him and was safe with her sister he turned to go, sending back the shadow of a smile.Only Carrie saw it.She felt something lost to her when he moved away.When he disappeared she felt his absence thoroughly.With her sister she was much alone, a lone figure in a tossing, thoughtless sea.