'I should feel relieved if I knew that she went off at once to the warmth of the public-house opposite.' 'Yes, she hasn't a very cheerful home.' 'Oh, but it can be made a very different house.

It has fallen into such neglect.

Wait till spring sunshine and the paperhangers invade the place.' They issued into a main street, and after a little further talk, shook hands and parted.
That night, and through the Sunday that followed, Gilbert continued to suffer even more than his wont from mental dreariness; Mrs.Grail was unable to draw him into conversation.
About four o'clock she said: 'May I ask Lydia and Thyrza to come and have tea with us, Gilbert ?' He looked up absently.
'But they were here last Sunday.' 'Yes, my dear, but I think they like to come, and I'm sure I like to have them.' 'Let us leave it till next Sunday, mother.

You don't mind?
I feel I must be alone to-night.' It was a most unusual thing for Gilbert to offer opposition when his mother had expressed a desire for anything.

Mrs.Grail at once said: 'I dare say you're right, my dear.