Emily's handsome boys came home for the Christmas holidays; the University was talked of for them; and still Joanna subsisted as it were with held breath, like a person submerged.
Only one summer more, and the 'spell' would end.

Towards the close of the time Emily called on her quondam friend.

She had heard that Joanna began to feel anxious; she had received no letter from husband or sons for some months.

Emily's silks rustled arrogantly when, in response to Joanna's almost dumb invitation, she squeezed through the opening of the counter and into the parlour behind the shop.
'_You_ are all success, and _I_ am all the other way!' said Joanna.
'But why do you think so ?' said Emily.

'They are to bring back a fortune, I hear.' 'Ah! will they come?
The doubt is more than a woman can bear.