"Here we are!" Out they all scrambled, to stare up at the gray front, tessellated with windows, while Charles maneuvered the luggage. Catherine felt Spencer's cold hand creep into hers; she held it firmly, knowing that he, too, had the sinking depression with which that monotonous dingy structure filled her.
But Sam, the elevator boy, came out, all white grin and shiny eyes, to greet them and carry in the bags. Letty, as of old, clasped her hands over her stomach as the elevator shot up. The key clicked in the lock and the door opened on the familiar long hall. They were home again.
"When we have breakfast," declared Catherine, "we won't feel so much like lost cats!"
Flora, her gold tooth gleaming in her dark face, was loudly and cheerfully glad to see them. Catherine scurried for towels, and left the children scrubbing their hands, while she walked back through the hall with Charles, who had said he must go to his office immediately.
They faced each other in the dim light. Catherine struggled to throw off the constraint which had settled upon her.
"That's a grand suit," she said, laying her hand on his sleeve. "You better take your rain coat."
"It's at the office. I am afraid I can't come in for luncheon. I made this engagement downtown before I knew you were coming to-day."
"That's good." Catherine smiled at him. "Leaves me more time--there are endless things to do."
He looked at her, a curious reserve in his eyes.
"You are really going to do it, take that job?"
"Monday. That's why I'm here." She couldn't help that air of defense! "I had to have a few days to shop for the children, and get the house running."
"I thought a few days couldn't matter so much to them as to me."
"Charles!" Catherine seized his hand. "Are you--cross?"
"Of course not." He sounded impatient. "But I have to get over to college sometime to-day."
"Have you changed your mind about my trying this?"
"No." He pursed his under lip, hesitatingly. "I didn't know you were going to jump in so immediately. But it's quite all right."
Catherine released his hand, and he pulled open the door. He stood a moment on the threshold, and then wheeled.
"I--I'm glad you're home." Catherine was in his arms, her lips quivering as he kissed her.