"Mother's love is given by God, John. It holds fast for ever and ever. A girl's love is like a puff of smoke,--it changes with every wind. And she would not have you, my own lad, would not she?" She set her teeth; she showed them like a dog for the whole length of her mouth. He shook his head.
"I am not fit for her, mother; I knew I was not."
She ground out words between her closed teeth. He could not hear what she said; but the look in her eyes interpreted it to be a curse,--if not as coarsely worded, as fell in intent as ever was uttered. And yet her heart leapt up light, to know he was her own again.

'Mother's love is given by God, John. It holds fast for ever and ever. A girl's love is like a puff of smoke - it changes with every wind. And she would not have you, my own lad, would not she?' She set her teeth, showing them like a dog.
'I am not fit for her, mother; I knew I was not.'
She ground out words between her closed teeth. And yet her heart leapt up light, to know he was her own again.
'Mother!' 