"And there's study," said Albert, "art or history. Think what a chance
for studying them one has here. Yes, Edith is right--work or study, and
a general shutting up of the fancy is what this mind needs."

"I disagree with you entirely," said Norman with energy. "She needs
play, relaxation, freedom." Then he was sorry he had said it; Mae's eyes
sparkled so.

"She needs," said Eric, pushing back his chair, "to be married. She is
in love. That's what's the matter. Read those two last lines, Albert:

'While above, beyond them all,
Loud a woman's heart makes call.'

"Don't you see?"

"O, wise young man," laughed Edith. But Mae arose. The scarlet buds in
her cheeks flamed into full-blown roses. "There speaks the man," she
cried passionately, "and pray doesn't a woman's heart ever call for
anything but love--aren't life and liberty more than all the love in the
world? Oh!" and she stopped abruptly.

"Well, we have wasted more time than is worth while over this young,
wild gosling," laughed Albert. "Let us hope she will take our advice."

Mae shook her head involuntarily. There was a smile on Norman Mann's
lips.

"Here's health and happiness to the poor child at any rate," he said.