So, in its calm sober fashion, the old house took into its life this new member, these new plans, and the old seemed stronger for the new--for Laura and Edith and Deborah drew together closer than they had been in many years.

But only because they felt themselves on the eve of a still deeper and more lasting separation, as the family of Roger Gale divided and went different ways.

At times he noticed it sadly.

Laura, who had scarcely ever been home for dinner, now spent many evenings here.

She needed her home for her wedding, he thought.