He seemed just to die, right there at the table!" "You mean when his father spoke of sending him to the shop place ?" "Yes." "Mr.Sheridan must be very unfeeling." "No," said Mary, thoughtfully, "I don't think he is; but he might be uncomprehending, and certainly he's the kind of man to do anything he once sets out to do.

But I wish I hadn't been looking at that poor boy just then! I'm afraid I'll keep remembering--" "I wouldn't." Mrs.Vertrees smiled faintly, and in her smile there was the remotest ghost of a genteel roguishness.

"I'd keep my mind on pleasanter things, Mary." Mary laughed and nodded.

"Yes, indeed! Plenty pleasant enough, and probably, if all were known, too good--even for me!" And when she had gone Mrs.Vertrees drew a long breath, as if a burden were off her mind, and, smiling, began to undress in a gentle reverie..