“What is it, little mother, what is it?” he asked gayly and obtusely.

“Aren’t you a bit stupid, David, not to see? I wish — I do wish you could care for Lady Clara. She really is charming.”

“I do care for her — as Lady Clara Temple. She is charming, and, as you say of me, a bit stupid. What has Laura been doing these two months?”

“Preparing for her coming out after her own fashion. We’ve been a good deal in town, but she has a reckless way of doing anything she pleases, quite regardless.”

“She is a big-hearted fine lass, mother. Don’t let her ways trouble you.”

“She needs the right influence, and Lady Clara seems to exert it over her —