I have watched her. With all her pride and modesty I have
discovered her secret--she loves you. Then why have you waited?
Why do you still wait?"

He did not answer and she continued with deeper feeling:

"Life is so uncertain to all of us and of course to me! I want to
see you wedded to her, see her brought here as mistress of this
house, and live to hear the laughter of your children." She
finished with solemn emotion: "It has been my prayer, Rowan."

She became silent with her recollections of her own early life for
a moment and then resumed:

"Nothing ever makes up for the loss of such years--the first years
of happy marriage. If we have had these, no matter what happens
afterward, we have not lived for nothing. It becomes easier for us
to be kind and good afterward, to take an interest in life, to
believe in our fellow-creatures, and in God."

He sprang up.

"Mother, I cannot speak with you about this now." He turned
quickly and stood with his back to her, looking out of doors; and
he spoke over his shoulder and his voice was broken: "You have had
one disappointment this morning: it is enough. But do not think of
my marrying--of my ever marrying. Dent must take my place at the
head of the house. It is all over with me! But I cannot speak
with you about this now," and he started quickly to leave the
parlors. She rose and put her arm around his waist, walking beside