But Laura, who was not aware of this ancient reserve, thought that both of them showed a lack of warmth.

And Fitzgerald, who was watching all comers now, was sure that the past of his friend and Breitmann interlaced in some way.
"So, young man," said Mrs.Coldfield, a handsome motherly woman, "you have had the impudence to let five years pass without darkening my doors.

What excuse have you ?" "I'm guilty of anything you say," Fitzgerald answered humbly.

"What shall be my punishment ?" "You shall take Miss Laura in and I shall sit at your left." "For my sins it shall be as you say.

But, really, I have been so little in New York," he added.
"I forgive you simply because you have not made a failure of your mother's son.