Scraps of conversation and notes of laughter floated to her.

The air was light.
People were already pouring out of the buildings, their labour ended for the day.

She noticed that they were pleased, and thoughts of her sister's home and the meal that would be awaiting her quickened her steps.

She hurried on, tired perhaps, but no longer weary of foot.

What would not Minnie say! Ah, the long winter in Chicago--the lights, the crowd, the amusement! This was a great, pleasing metropolis after all.
Her new firm was a goodly institution.