"I don't see much change," he said, hesitating.

"No, he's much the same."

"And you?" He slid down on the sofa beside her and threw his arm round
her. "Have you been fretting?"

Lady Tranmore made no reply. She was a self-contained woman, not readily
moved to tears. But he felt her hand tremble as he pressed it.

"I sha'n't fret now"--she said after a moment--"now that you've come
back."

Ashe's face took a very soft and tender expression.

"Mother, you know--you think a great deal too much of me--you're too
ambitious for me."

She gave a sound between a laugh and a sob, and, raising her hands, she
smoothed back his curly hair and held his face between them.

"When do you see Lord Parham?" she asked.

"Eight o'clock--in his room at the House. I'll send you up a note."

"You'll be home early?"

"No--don't wait for me."