“ Thank you: I am very comfortable here. I am staying on a visit with Miss Carew. ”
Silence ensued; and he sat down slowly. Then she added, “ I am exceedingly glad that you have got something good at last. It must be a great relief to your poor mother. ”
“ I fancied, Alice — though it may have been only fancy — I fancied that YOUR mother was colder than usual in her manner this morning. I hope that the luxuries of this palatial mansion are powerless to corrupt your heart. I cannot lead you to a castle and place crowds of liveried servants at your beck and call; but I can make you mistress of an honorable English home, independent of the bounty of strangers. You can never be more than a lady, Alice. ”
“ It is very good of you to lecture me, I am sure. ”
“ You might be serious with me, ”
