“Remember, boy, it’s her whole life!” entreated Roger hoarsely.

“Yes, sir!  I’ll look out!  No fear!”

“Good-bye, daddy!”

“God bless you, dear!”

They were speeding away.  And with the best man, who looked weary and spent, Roger went slowly back up the steps.  It was an effort now to talk.  Thank Heaven these people soon were gone.  Last of all went the ponderous aunt of the groom.  How the taxi groaned as he helped her inside and started her off to Bridgeport.  Back in his study he found his cigars and smoked one dismally with Bruce.  Bruce was a decent sort of chap.  He knew when to be silent.

“Well,” he spoke finally, rising, “I guess I’ll have to get back to the office.”  He smiled a little and put his hand on Roger’s weary shoulder.  “We’re glad it’s over—­eh?” he asked.

“Bruce,” said Roger heavily, “you’ve got a girl of your own growing up.  Don’t let her grow to feel you’re old.  Live on with her.  She’ll need you.”  His massive blunt face darkened.  “The world’s so damnably new,” he muttered, “so choked up with fool ideas.”  Bruce still smiled affectionately.

“Go up and see Edith,” he said, “and forget ’em.  She never lets one into the flat.  She said you were to be sure to come and tell her about the wedding.”

“All right, I’ll go,” said Roger.  He hunted about for his hat and coat.  What a devilish mess they had made of the house.  A half hour later he was with Edith; but there, despite his efforts to answer all her questions, he grew heavier and heavier, till at last he barely spoke.  He sat watching Edith’s baby.

“Did you talk to Laura?” he heard her ask.

“Yes,” he replied.  “It did no good.”  He knew that Edith was waiting for more, but he kept doggedly silent.

“Well, dear,” she said presently, “at least you did what you could for her.”

“I’ve never done what I could,” he rejoined.  “Not with any one of you.”  He glanced at her with a twinge of pain.  “I don’t know as it would have helped much if I had.  This town is running away with itself.  I want a rest now, Edith, I want things quiet for a while.”  He felt her anxious, pitying look.

“Where’s Deborah?” she asked him.  “Gone back to school already?”

“I don’t know where she is,” he replied.  And then he rose forlornly.  “I guess I’ll be going back home,” he said.

On his way, as his thoughts slowly cleared, the old uneasiness rose in his mind.  Would Deborah want to keep the house?  Suppose she suggested moving to some titty-tatty little flat.  No, he would not stand in her way.  But, Lord, what an end to make of his life.

His home was almost dark inside, but he noticed rather to his surprise that the rooms had already been put in order.  He sank down on the living room sofa and lay motionless for a while.  How tired he was.  From time to time he drearily sighed.  Yes, Deborah would find him old and life here dull and lonely.  Where was she to-night, he wondered.  Couldn’t she quit her zoo school for one single afternoon?  At last, when the room had grown pitch dark, he heard the maid lighting the gas in the hall.  Roger loudly cleared his throat, and at the sound the startled girl ejaculated, “Oh, my Gawd!”