They have continued very good friends,and their wives are almost without the rivalry that usually embitters the wives of partners.At first Mrs.
March did not like Mrs.Fulkerson's speaking of her husband as the Ownah,and March as the Edito';but it appeared that this was only a convenient method of recognizing the predominant quality in each,and was meant neither to affirm nor to deny anything.Colonel Woodburn offered as his contribution to the celebration of the copartnership,which Fulkerson could not be prevented from dedicating with a little dinner,the story of Fulkerson's magnanimous behavior in regard to Dryfoos at that crucial moment when it was a question whether he should give up Dryfoos or give up March.Fulkerson winced at it;but Mrs.March told her husband that now,whatever happened,she should never have any misgivings of Fulkerson again;and she asked him if he did not think he ought to apologize to him for the doubts with which he had once inspired her.March said that he did not think so.
The Fulkersons spent the summer at a seaside hotel in easy reach of the city;but they returned early to Mrs.Leighton's,with whom they are to board till spring,when they are going to fit up Fulkerson's bachelor apartment for housekeeping.Mrs.March,with her Boston scruple,thinks it will be odd,living over the 'Every Other Week'offices;but there will be a separate street entrance to the apartment;and besides,in New York you may do anything.