But I want to speak to you.' Mrs.Waltham seated herself in expectation.
'Will you tell me why you so much wish me to marry Mr.Mutimer ?' Adela's tone was quite other than she had hitherto used in conversations of this kind.

It was submissive, patiently questioning.
'You mustn't misunderstand me,' replied the mother with some nervousness.

'The wish, dear, must of course be yours as well.

You know that I--that I really have left you to consult your own--' The sentence was unfinished.
'But you have tried to persuade me, mother dear,' pursued the gentle voice.

'You would not do so if you did not think it for my good.' Something shot painfully through Mrs.Waltham's heart.
'I am sure I have thought so, Adela; really I have thought so.