And, as she stood over the washing-tub, the mother brooded over her son.

She saw him saddled with an elegant and expensive wife, earning little money, dragging along and getting draggled in some small, ugly house in a suburb.

"But there," she told herself, "I am very likely a silly--meeting trouble halfway." Nevertheless, the load of anxiety scarcely ever left her heart, lest William should do the wrong thing by himself.
Presently, Paul was bidden call upon Thomas Jordan, Manufacturer of Surgical Appliances, at 21, Spaniel Row, Nottingham.

Mrs.Morel was all joy.
"There, you see!" she cried, her eyes shining.

"You've only written four letters, and the third is answered.