After the customary condolences on the imprisonment to which she was subjected by the weather, I said, in as careless a manner as it was possible to assume: "I have heard from my son this morning.

He talks of being ordered home, and tells me I may expect to see him before the end of the year." I was too cautious to mention the exact date of his return, for in that case she might have detected my motive for asking her to prolong her visit.
"Oh, indeed ?" she said.

"How very nice.

How glad you must be." I watched her narrowly.

The clear, dark blue eyes met mine as openly as ever.