And was that all over now?
Had it all been talked away by Mrs.Woodward's cautious wisdom, because he had lain for one night in a sponging-house?
But the next day came, and as it passed, it appeared to him that no opportunity of speaking one word to her was to be allowed to him.
She did not, however, shun him.

She was not up at breakfast, but she sat next to him at lunch, and answered him when he spoke to her.
In the evening they again went out to walk, and then Charley found that Linda and Norman went one way, and that he was alone with Mrs.Woodward.It was manifest to him that this arrangement had been made on purpose, and he felt that he was to undergo some private conversation, the nature of which he dreaded.

He dreaded it very much; when he heard it, it made him very wretched; but it was not the less full of womanly affection and regard for him.
'I cannot let you go from us, Charley,' began Mrs.Woodward, 'without telling you how deep a sorrow it has been to me to be so long without seeing you.

I know you have thought me very ungrateful.' 'Ungrateful, Mrs.Woodward! 'O no! I have done nothing to make gratitude necessary.' 'Yes, Charley, you have--you have done much, too much.

You have saved my child's life.' 'O no, I did not,' said he; 'besides, I hate gratitude.