ay and I shall go mine."

"Yes," she replied, rather sharply, "that is true enough; but if that
cynical quotation of yours has anything in it, it's equally true, isn't
it, that friendship is a matter of cabs, and street cars, and the
elevated road? Of course, we can hardly be expected to look you up, but
Sixty-ninth Street isn't exactly in California, and the whole question
lies with yourself. I don't know if you care to be told so, but Julius
and my sister like you very much, and will welcome you heartily always."

"Thanks, very much!" said John, staring straight out in front of him,
and forming a determination that Sixty-ninth Street would see but
precious little of _him_. She gave a side glance at him as he did not
speak further. There was light enough to see the expression of his
mouth, and she read his thought almost in words. She had thought that
she had detected a suggestion of sentimentality on his part which she
intended to keep strictly in abeyance, but in her intention not to seem
to respond to it she had taken an attitude of coolness and a tone which
was almost sarcastic, and now perceived that, so far as results were
apparent, she had carried matters somewhat further than she intended.
Her heart smote her a little, too, to think that he was hurt. She really
liked him very much, and contritely recalled how kind and thoughtful and
unselfish he had been, and how helpful, and she knew that it had been
almost wholly for her. Yes, she was willing--and glad--to think so. But
while she wished that she had taken a different line at the outset, she
hated desperately to make any concession, and the seconds of their
silence grew into minutes. She stole another glance at his face. It was
plain that negotiations for harmony would have to begin with her.
Finally she said in a quiet voice:

"'Thanks, very much,' is an entirely polite expression, but it isn't
very responsive."

"I thought it met your cordiality quite half way," was the rejoinder.
"Of course, I am glad to be assured of Mr. and Mrs. Carling's regard,
and that they would be glad to see me, but I think I might have been
justified in hoping that you would go a little further, don't you
think?"

He looked at her as he asked the question, but she did not turn her
head. Presently she said in a low voice, and slowly, as if weighing her
words:

"Will it be enough if I say that I shall be very sorry if you do not
come?" He put his left hand upon her right, whic