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第5章 化海境之威！

　　"I'm glad you liked it."

ading questions. In more exclusivecircles, on the train or in waiting stations, he went slower. Ifsome seemingly vulnerable object appeared he was all attention--to pass the compliments of the day, to lead the way to the parlorcar, carrying her grip, or, failing that, to take a seat next herwith the hope of being able to court her to her destination.Pillows, books, a footstool, the shade lowered; all these figuredin the things which he could do. If, when she reached herdestination he did not alight and attend her baggage for her, itwas because, in his own estimation, he had signally failed.

　　It was in this mood that he would occasionally dress up, go for ashave, and, putting on his gloves, sally forth quite actively.Not with any definite aim. It was more a barometric condition.He felt just right for being outside and doing something.

　　"Oh, dear me!" exclaimed Carrie. Then she settled back with asigh. "There's no use crying over spilt milk," she said. "It'stoo late."

　　Frequently there were two-story frame houses standing out in theopen fields, without fence or trees, lone outposts of theapproaching army of homes.

　　Suddenly he looked up.

　　It was the grim resolution of a bent, bedraggled, but unbrokenpride.

　　"I want to see about getting a position," she answered.

　　He would have asked more, but it did not seem wise, so he decidedto inquire at the depot.