To tell you the truth," colouring a little, "I hardly liked to show you how thoroughly I comprehended things--your home has never been a real home to you, and though you love each other dearly, you and your mother are really happier apart.

How can two walk together unless they are agreed ?" "Thank you for saying this," he returned gratefully; "I am sure you mean what you say." "Most certainly I do." "I know it--I am sure of it; you are not one of those people who are afraid to speak the truth.

Forgive me if I seemed put out for a moment, but something in your manner made me think that you disapproved of the step I had taken." "Mr.Herrick, I disapprove--a mere acquaintance who has not even seen your mother!" "Ah, it is you who misunderstand now," in a reproachful voice.

"Even a mere acquaintance," dwelling on the word rather pointedly, "can judge pretty correctly of a man's circumstances.

I thought you were saying to yourself, 'Mr.Herrick must be a selfish sort of man; he is the only son of a widowed mother, and he has left her roof because her charitable works bore him to extinction.'" "No--oh, no!" in a shocked voice.