"
There was a hurried hand-shaking, and several warm kisses.
"Good-by, Richard," said Mrs. Dare. "God be with you!" And then she
added in a whisper: "Don't be afraid to come home as soon as you don't
like it any more."
"I'll remember, mother," he replied. "Don't worry about me. It's all
right. Good-by, each and everybody!"
Valise in hand, he climbed up the steps and entered one of the cars.
He had hardly time to reach a window seat, and wave a parting adieu,
when the train moved off.
He looked back as long as he could. Mother and sister were waving their
handkerchiefs, Grace having brought her largest for this special
occasion.
But the train went swiftly on its way, and soon Mossvale and its people
were left behind.
"Off at last!" was Richard's mental comment. "It's sink or swim now.
Good-by to Mossvale and the old life!"
Yet it must in truth be confessed that there was just the suspicion
of a tear in his eye and a lump in his throat as he settled back in
his seat, but he hastily brushed away the one and swallowed the other,
and put on as bold a front as he could.
The car was only partially filled, and he had a double seat all to
himself. He placed his valise beside him, and then gazed at the
ever-varying panorama that rushed past.
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