"I expect you were very obstinate.

But he was kind ?" "He's a dear; I love him!" Barbara replied.

"He understands everything.
I think he ought to have stopped at Liverpool; the secretary met us and talked about some business, but if he hadn't come with me, I could not have borne--" She stopped, and resting her head on Mrs.Cartwright's shoulder, began to cry.

Mrs.Cartwright said nothing, but kissed and soothed her with loving gentleness.
When, some time afterwards, Barbara came down the stairs that occupied one side of the hall she was composed, but tea by the fire was something of a strain.

It was plain that Grace's careless talk was forced and Mortimer's efforts to keep on safe ground were marked.