Your mother and I have been talking it over." "But--" Taffy began, and could get no further.
"We have money enough--with care," said Mr.Raymond.
But the boy's eyes were on his mother.

Her cheeks, usually so pale, were flushed; but she turned her face away and walked slowly back to her chair.

"The lace-work," he heard her say: "I have been saving-- from the beginning--" "For this ?" He followed and took her hand.

With the other she covered her eyes; but nodded.
"O mother--mother!" He knelt and let his brow drop on her lap.
She ceased to weep; her palms rested on his bowed head, but now and then her body shook.

And but for the ticking of the tall clock there was silence in the room.
It was wonderful; and the wonder of it grew when they recovered themselves and fell to discussing their plans.