"Mother, it is not my fault--at least I hope not--that we think so differently on most subjects.

I am nearly eight-and-twenty, and at that age a man is bound to do the best for himself." "I hoped you would have married before this, Malcolm." "There is no question of marrying at present," he returned in a constrained voice.

"I have not yet seen the woman whom I wish to make my wife." Then a singular expression crossed Mrs.Herrick's face.
"I am sorry to hear that, Malcolm; I would have willingly given you up to a wife, but life in chambers seems to me so Bohemian." "It is only an idea," he returned impatiently.

"Mother dear, try to believe that I am doing it for the best--for both our sakes.

I am not leaving you alone--you have Anna; and in spite of all your kindness to me, I am well aware that I have never been any real help or comfort; if I thought you needed me--that you relied on me for assistance or protection--I would never have carved out this independent life." "It is the spirit of the age," she returned a little bitterly; "it is the children who make terms, and the parents who have to yield and submit." "That is an old argument, mother," replied Malcolm wearily; "how often we have gone over that ground, you and I.When our wills have clashed it seems to me the concessions have all been on my side.