what is going on here. And I am really a very safe person to talk
to. One gets to know a lot of young men, year by year--and I'm a
mine of small secrets. Don't you know the title so common in the
old Methodist tracts--'The life and death and Christian sufferings
of the Rev. Mr. Pennefather.' That's what I want to know about
people--Christian sufferings and all."

Maud smiled at him and said, "I am afraid there are not many
Christian sufferings in my life; but I shall be glad to talk about
many things here. You know my mother died more than ten years ago--
when I was quite a little girl--and I don't remember her very well;
I have always said just what I thought to Jack, and he to me--till
quite lately; and that is what troubles me a little. Jack seems to
be rather drifting away from me. He gets to know so many new
people, and he doesn't like explaining; and then his mind seems
full of new ideas. I suppose it is bound to happen; and of course I
have very little to do here; papa likes doing everything, and doing
it in his own way. He can't bear to let anything out of his hands;
so I just go about and talk to the people. But I am not a very
contented person. I want something, I think, and I don't know what
it is. It is difficult to take up anything serious, when one is all
alone. I should like to go to Newnham, but I can't leave father by
himself; books don't seem much use, though I read a great deal. I
want something real to do, like Jack! Papa is so energetic; he
manages the house and pays all the bills; and there doesn't seem
any use for me--though if I were of use, I should find plenty of
things to do, I believe."

"Yes," said Howard, "I quite understand, and I am glad you have
told me. You know I am a sort of doctor in these matters, and I