"So do I, John. Perhaps then you would have understood the
contradictious girl, as well as I did. You see, she wanted me to know
that she preferred the Manchester warehouse men, and the Yorkshire
spinners, and the share-tumblers of the stock exchange to knights and
poets and that make of men. Now, some women would have said the words
straightforward, but not Jane. She prefers to state her likings and
dislikings in riddles and leave you to find out their meaning."

"That is an uncomfortable, uncertain way."

"To be sure it is, but if you want to marry Jane Harlow, you had better
take it into account. I never said she was perfect."

"If ever she is my wife, I shall teach her very gently to speak
straightforward words."

"Then you have your work set, John. Whether you can do it or not, is a
different thing. I don't want you to marry Jane Harlow, but as you have
set your heart on her, I have resolved to make the most of her strong
points and the least of her weak ones. You had better do the same."

There was silence for a few moments, then John asked, "Was that all,
mother?"

"We had more to say, but it was of a personal nature--I don't think it
concerns you at present."

"Nay, but it does, mother. Everything connected with Jane concerns me."