"He's so weak one must humor him like a child." She derived some satisfaction, however, from the idea of sending for her maid Lucie and making her uncomfortable; but on her way she met Mathilde in the hall.
"May I speak to you, Mama ?" she said.
Mrs.Farron laughed.
"May you speak to me ?" she said.

"Why, yes; you may have the unusual privilege.

What is it ?" Mathilde followed her mother into the bedroom and shut the door.
"Pete has just been here.

He has been offered a position in China." "In China ?" said Mrs.Farron.This was the first piece of luck that had come to her in a long time, but she did not betray the least pleasure.

"I hope it is a good one." "Yes, he thinks it good.