"Don't fear!" said his mother, crushing down her own personal mortification at the little notice he had taken of the rare ebullition of her maternal feelings--of the pang of jealousy that betrayed the intensity of her disregarded love. "Don't be afraid," she said, coldly. "As far as love may go she may be worthy of you. It must have taken a good deal to overcome her pride. Don't be afraid, John," said she, kissing him, as she wished him good-night. And she went slowly and majestically out of the room. But when she got into her own, she locked the door, and sate down to cry unwonted tears.
* * * * *

'Don't fear!' said his mother, crushing down her mortification at the little notice he had taken of her rare outburst of maternal feeling. 'Don't be afraid,' she said, coldly. 'As far as love goes she may be worthy of you. It must have taken a good deal to overcome her pride.'
Kissing him, she wished him good-night, and went slowly and majestically out of the room. But once in her own room, she locked the door, and sat down to cry unwonted tears.
