I shan't stay there, you know." Then she paused a moment before she proceeded.

"Shall you see--that young woman when you are there ?" "I suppose I shall see her." "Pray do not think that I desire to interfere with your private affairs.
I know well that I have no right to assume over you any of that affectionate authority which a mother might have,--though in truth I love you as a son." "I would treat you just as I would my own mother." "No, Fred; that cannot be so.

A mother would throw her arms round you and cling to you if she saw you going into danger.

A mother would follow you, hoping that she might save you." "But there is no danger." "Ah, Fred, I fear there is." "What danger ?" "You are now the head of one of the oldest and the noblest families in this which in my heart I believe to be the least sinful among the sinful nations of the wicked world." "I don't quite know how that may be;--I mean about the world.

Of course I understand about the family." "But you love your country ?" "Oh yes.