Looks as if she wasn't in any dreadful hurry to see
me," Joel mused. It occurred to him that it would be a fitting return
for Persis' perverseness for him to retire to his room and refuse to
leave except at her humble and reiterated entreaty. It is unfortunate
that so often the course of conduct consistent with one's dignity
involves a painful sacrifice. As train-time drew near, Joel realized
that he would not be equal to the ordeal of absenting himself, even for
so worthy a cause as to teach Persis a much-needed lesson.

There was the usual number of loungers on the station platform, and
Joel was soon surrounded by an interested circle. As the brother of a
woman of property, he had acquired a certain vicarious importance in
the last few weeks. Information as to what Persis was doing, or about
to do, was sought eagerly in all directions, and Joel's vanity was
flattered at finding himself the center of attention, even though in
his heart he was well aware of the reason.

"Sister having a good time up to Boston?" inquired a florid man, who
despite the chilliness of the late fall day was in his shirt-sleeves.

The uncertainty in Joel's mind as to whether Persis had spent her time
attending the theater or in the surgical ward of a hospital, caused him
to evade a direct answer.

"Oh, so-so. I'm expecting her home on this train."

The countenances of the group brightened. Some of them had come a long
distance to await the four-twenty train. Pressing work was on the
consciences of several. It was agreeable to know that their sacrifices
were not thrown away. They would see Persis Dale step off the train
and would be able to tell their wives at supper whether, as far as
their obtuse masculine powers of observation had been able to
determine, she was arrayed in the spoils of city shops.

The train screamed at the crossing half a mile below and made its
appearance with the usual accompaniments of smoke and rattle.
Passengers looked with weary interest at the crowd on the platform, and
the crowd on the platform watched eagerly for alighting passengers. A
farmer living in the vicinity left the smoking-car to be given scant
welcome, for the lookers-on were anticipating something more
impressive. A fat old woman with a basket and a couple of shawl-straps
was also coldly received. Then some one caught Joel's arm with an
exclamation, muffled but profane.

There was a parlor-car at the rear of the train, a concession