mustache on his short upper lip, and his clustering black curls grew
in a high ridge off a lofty brow. Terence had the somewhat languid air
which more or less characterized all his mother's movements. He was
devoted to her, and took his seat now by her side. She laid her very
thin and slender hand on his arm. He did not respond by look or movement
to the gesture of affection; but had a very close observer been present
he would have noticed that he drew his chair about the tenth of an inch
nearer to hers.

Nora and her father at the other end of the table were chattering
volubly. Nora's face was all smiles; every vestige of that little
cloud which had sat between her dark brows a few moments before had
vanished. Her blue eyes were sparkling with fun.

The Squire made brilliant sally after sally, to which she responded
with all an Irish girl's aptitude for repartee.

Terence and his mother conversed in low tones.

"Yes, mother," he was saying, "I had a letter from Uncle George this
morning; he wants me to go next week. Do you think you can manage?"

"How long will you be away, Terence?"

"I don't know; a couple of months, perhaps."

"How much money will it cost?"

"I shall want an evening suit, and a new dress-suit, and something
for everyday. These things are disgraceful," said the lad, just