After the question of the carriage windows--whether they should be up or down, either or both, and how much--had been settled, and, as usual in such dilemmas, by Miss Blake, the drive up town was comparatively a silent one.

John's mind was occupied with sundry reflections and speculations, of many of which his companion was the subject, and to some extent in noting the changes in the streets and buildings which an absence of two years made noticeable to him.
Mary looked steadily out of window, lost in her own thoughts save for an occasional brief response to some casual comment or remark of John's.
Mr.Carling had muffled himself past all talking, and his wife preserved the silence which was characteristic of her when unurged.
John was set down at Thirty-third Street, and, as he made his adieus, Mrs.Carling said, "Do come and see us as soon as you can, Mr.Lenox"; but Miss Blake simply said "Good-by" as she gave him her hand for an instant, and he went on to his father's house.
He let himself in with the latch-key which he had carried through all his absence, but was at once encountered by Jeffrey, who, with his wife, had for years constituted the domestic staff of the Lenox household.
"Well, Jeff," said John, as he shook hands heartily with the old servant, "how are you?
and how is Ann?
You don't look a day older, and the climate seems to agree with you, eh ?" "You're welcome home, Mr.John," replied Jeffrey, "and thank you, sir.
Me and Ann is very well, sir.

It's a pleasure to see you again and home.
It is, indeed." "Thank you, Jeff," said John.

"It's rather nice to be back.

Is my room ready ?" "Yes, sir," said Jeffrey, "I think it's all right, though we thought that maybe it 'd be later in the day when you got here, sir.