Dora, what course shall you adopt ?" "None," she replied.

"Your son's return has nothing whatever to do with me." "But, surely," said lady Helena, "for the children's sake you will not refuse at least an outward show of reconciliation ?" "Mr.Earle has not asked it," said Dora--"he never will do so, Lady Helena.

It is as far from his thoughts as from mine." Lady Earle sat for some moments too much astounded for speech.
"I never inquired the cause of your separation, Dora," she said, gently, "and I never wish to know it.

My son told me you could live together no longer.

I loved my own husband; I was a devoted and affectionate wife to him.