stay to watch him. And no watching could be more tender, or more
complete. Her loving eyes seemed never averted from his face--his grave,
sad, careworn face. When Tom went to bed the mother left her seat, and
going up to Will, where he sat looking at the fire, but not seeing it,
she kissed his forehead, and said--"Will! lad, I've been to see Susan
Palmer!"

She felt the start under her hand which was placed on his shoulder, but
he was silent for a minute or two. Then he said,--

"What took you there, mother?"

"Why, my lad, it was likely I should wish to see one you cared for; I did
not put myself forward. I put on my Sunday clothes, and tried to behave
as yo'd ha' liked me. At least, I remember trying at first; but after, I
forgot all."

She rather wished that he would question her as to what made her forget
all. But he only said--

"How was she looking, mother?"

"Well, thou seest I never set eyes on her before; but she's a good,
gentle-looking creature; and I love her dearly, as I've reason to."

Will looked up with momentary surprise, for his mother was too shy to be
usually taken with strangers. But, after all, it was naturally in this
case, for who could look at Susan without loving her? So still he did
not ask any questions, and his poor mother had to take courage, and try
again to introduce the subject near to her heart. But how?