"I wonder if she is always going down town at this hour?
You will have to manage to go either earlier or later, or else people will begin to talk about you." Stephen White had one rule of conduct: when he was uncertain what to do, not to do any thing.

He broke it in this instance, and had reason to regret it long.

He spoke impulsively on the instant, and revealed to mother his dawning interest in Mercy, and planted then and there an ineffaceable germ of distrust in her mind.
"Now, mother," he said, "what's the use of you beginning to set up this new worry?
Mrs.Philbrick is a widow, and very sad and lonely.

She is the friend of my friend, Harley Allen; and I am in duty bound to show her some attention, and help her if I can.

She is also a bright, interesting person; and I do not know so many such that I should turn my back on one under my own roof.