The dread, present to her mind all through the interview, of making herself a cause of estrangement between mother and son, so completely overcame her that she even made an attempt to defend Mrs.Gallilee! At the first words, he sat down by her again.

For a moment, he scrutinised her face without mercy--and then repented of his own severity.
"My poor child," he said, "you are afraid to tell me what has happened.
I won't press you to speak against your own inclinations.

It would be cruel and needless--I have got at the truth at last.

In the one hope of my life, my mother is my enemy.

She is bent on separating us; she shall not succeed.