The story at last came to an end, as the longest will, and Stephen directed the conversation into another channel.
'Well, mother, they know everything about me now,' he said quietly.
'Well done!' replied his father; 'now my mind's at peace.' 'I blame myself--I never shall forgive myself--for not telling them before,' continued the young man.
Mrs.Smith at this point abstracted her mind from the former subject.

'I don't see what you have to grieve about, Stephen,' she said.

'People who accidentally get friends don't, as a first stroke, tell the history of their families.' 'Ye've done no wrong, certainly,' said his father.
'No; but I should have spoken sooner.

There's more in this visit of mine than you think--a good deal more.' 'Not more than I think,' Mrs.Smith replied, looking contemplatively at him.

Stephen blushed; and his father looked from one to the other in a state of utter incomprehension.
'She's a pretty piece enough,' Mrs.Smith continued, 'and very lady-like and clever too.