She withdrew, and David heard her heavy-soled shoes clatter down the long halls. He and his mother smiled as they listened, looking into each other’s eyes.

“She is a dear child, but life means only a good time to her as yet.”

“Well, let it. She has splendid stuff in her and is bound to make a splendid woman.”

“She’s right, David. It has been awful since your brother left.” David sat beside her and placed his hand on hers. Again it was in his mind to tell her of Cassandra, and again he was stopped by the tenor of her next remark. “You see how it is, my son; Laura can’t understand, but you will.”

“I’m not sure that I do. Open your heart to me, mother; tell me what you mean.”