I sat down and began to tell her I had been at Harlow all day.

She did not inquire after mother's health and took no interest in any remark I made." "That was very unlike my mother." "It was, John.

Finally I said, 'I see that you are troubled about something, mother,' and she answered sharply, 'Yes, I'm troubled and plenty of reason for trouble.' I asked if I could help in any way." John sat upright at this question and said, "What reply did mother make ?" "She said, 'Not you! The trouble is past all help now.

I might have prevented it a few days ago, but I did not know the miserable lass was again on the road of sin and danger.

Nobody knew.