"I'll be near, though, in case she isn't here, and take you out there safely." "You're so kind," said Carrie, feeling the goodness of such attention in her strange situation.
"Chicago!" called the brakeman, drawing the word out long.

They were under a great shadowy train shed, where the lamps were already beginning to shine out, with passenger cars all about and the train moving at a snail's pace.

The people in the car were all up and crowding about the door.
"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.