"Are you become so helpless as to have to be defended by a girl?" asked Mrs. Thornton scornfully.
He reddened. "Not many girls would have taken the blows on herself which were meant for me;--meant with right down goodwill, too."
"A girl in love will do a good deal," replied Mrs. Thornton, shortly.
"Mother!" He made a step forwards; stood still; heaved with passion.

'Are you become so helpless as to have to be defended by a girl?' asked Mrs. Thornton, scornfully.
He reddened. 'Not many girls would have taken the blows on herself which were meant for me.'
'A girl in love will do a good deal,' replied Mrs. Thornton.
'Mother!' He made a step forwards; stood still; heaved with passion.
