"Past midnight," she murmured, "and all the lodgers are within.

Who can it be ?" The bell pealed forth again.
She went into the hall, where the gas was burning, and unlocked the door.

At the same time somebody flung himself violently against it, but the chain was up.
"Who is it ?" inquired she; and it was strange, at such a moment, to hear how very soft and musically she spoke, although, when talking to herself a while ago, her tones had been harsh and bitter as her mood.
"It is I, mother," returned the voice from outside.
She unhitched the chain and let him in.

"I knew it would be so, Dick," said she, quietly.
Richard was pale and haggard, and shone from head to foot with the rain, which poured off his water-proof coat in streams.
"You were right, mother," said he, as he kissed her cheek.

"No reproaches.