She looked up at him, aghast at his vehemence.

“My son, my son! Let us have only love between us — only love. I am not changed. I was content as I was, nor ever tried to enter a sphere above me. Now that this comes to me — forced on me by right of English law — I take it thankfully, with all it brings. I will fill the place as it should be filled, and Laura shall do the same, and you also, my son. As for Muriel Hunt, I will make concessions if — if your happiness demands it.”

David groaned inwardly. “No, mother, no. It goes deeper than Muriel; it goes deeper.” They had both risen. She placed her hands on his shoulders and looked levelly in his eyes, and her own lightened, through tears held bravely back.

“It may well go deeper than Muriel, and still not go very deep.”