These disturbances in the feminine current always produced a corresponding stiffness of calm in his masculine one, as if by an instinct to maintain the equilibrium of dangerous forces for the safety of the household.
Elmira and her mother kept looking at each other and at him, pulses starting up in their delicate cheeks, flushes coming and going, motioning each other with furtive gestures to speak, then countermanding the order with sharp negatory shakes of the head.
At last Mrs.Edwards called back Jerome as he was going to his chamber, books under arm and lighted candle in hand.
"Look here," said she; "I want to show you something." Jerome turned.

Elmira was extending towards him a nicely folded letter, with a little green seal on it.
"What is it ?" asked Jerome.
"Read it," said his mother.

Jerome took it, unfolded it, and read, Elmira and his mother watching him.

Elmira was quite pale.

Mrs.
Edwards's mouth was set as if against anticipated opposition, her nervously gleaming eyes were fierce with ready argument.