Will you, mother ?" "Intelligent?
What do you mean, Louis ?" "I mean," he said, "that you might recognise my right to govern my own conduct; that you might try to sympathise with views which are not your own--with the ideas, ideals, desires, convictions which, if modern, are none the less genuine--and are mine." There was a brief silence; then: "Louis, are you speaking with any thought of--that woman in your mind ?" she asked in a voice that quivered slightly.
"Yes, mother." "I knew it," she said, under her breath; "I knew it was that--I knew what had changed you--was changing you." "Have I altered for the worse ?" "I don't know--I don't know, Louis!" She was leaning heavily on his elbow now; he put one arm around her and they walked very slowly over the fragrant grass.
"First of all, mother, please don't call her, 'that woman.' Because she is a very sweet, innocent, and blameless girl....

Will you let me tell you a little about her ?" His mother bent her head in silence; and for a long while he talked to her of Valerie.
The sun still hung high over the Estwich hills when he ended.

His mother, pale, silent, offered no comment until, in his trouble, he urged her.

Then she said: "Your father will never consent." "Let me talk to father.

Will _you_ consent ?" "I--Louis--it would break our hearts if--" "Not when you know her." "Lily knows her and is bitterly opposed to her--" "What!" he exclaimed, astounded.