The wisest and the tenderest of men are continually making blunders in their relations with women; especially if they are so unfortunate as to occupy in any sense a position involving a relation to two women at once.

The relation may be ever so rightful and honest to each woman; the women may be good women, and in their right places; but the man will find himself perpetually getting into most unexpected hot water, as many a man could testify pathetically, if he were called upon.
Mrs.White had been watching her son through the whole of his conversation with Mercy.

She could see only dimly at such a distance; but she had discerned that it was a woman with whom he stood talking so long.

It was nearly half an hour past supper-time, and supper was Mrs.White's one festivity in the course of the day.

Their breakfast and their mid-day dinner were too hurried meals for enjoyment, because Stephen was obliged to make haste to the office; but with supper there was nothing to interfere.