She was the first to speak.
"Ellen loves me, but a daughter's love is more of a help than a support." "And father ?" "Oh, he is good and kind," she quickly answered, "but somehow I haven't kept up with him.

He is so strong, and I fear that my nature is too simple; I haven't force enough to help him when he's worried.
He hasn't said so, but I know it! And of course you don't understand me yet; but won't you bear with me ?" In her voice there was a sad pleading for love, and this man, though playing a part, dropped the promptings of his role, and with the memory of his own mother strong within him, pressed this frail woman to his bosom and with tender reverence kissed her.
"Oh," she sobbed, "I thank God for bringing you back to me.

Good night." He closed the door when she was gone, and stood as though he knew not whither to turn.

He looked at the onyx clock ticking on the mantelpiece.

He listened to the rumble of a carriage in the street.