But immediately perceiving in the crushed look and rising sob that she had given a deep wound, she tossed down her hat and knelt at her mother's feet crying-- "Mamma, mamma! I was only speaking in fun.

I meant nothing." "How could I, Gwendolen ?" said poor Mrs.Davilow, unable to hear the retraction, and sobbing violently while she made the effort to speak.
"Your will was always too strong for me--if everything else had been different." This disjoined logic was intelligible enough to the daughter.

"Dear mamma, I don't find fault with you--I love you," said Gwendolen, really compunctious.

"How can you help what I am?
Besides, I am very charming.
Come, now." Here Gwendolen with her handkerchief gently rubbed away her mother's tears.

"Really--I am contented with myself.