"You are very indifferent, Charles," said she.
He looked at her steadily, then slightly shrugged.

"What need to wear a mask?
Bah! Did he ever give me cause to feel for him ?" he asked.
"Mother, if one day I have a son of my own, I shall see to it that he loves me." "You will be hard put to it, with your nature, Charles," she told him critically.

Then she rose.

"Will you go to him with me ?" she asked.
He made as if to acquiesce, then halted.

"No," he said, and there was repugnance in his tone and face.