ould be much harder for her to bear; his problem was how to lighten it.
Sometimes he thought he had better not try to lighten it, but let it
fall at once, and trust to her affection and good sense for the rest.
But when he found himself alone with her that night, he began by making
play and keeping her beyond reach. He was so lost in this perverse
effort that he was not aware of some such effort on her part, till she
suddenly dropped it, and said, "Matt, there is something I wish to speak
to you about--very seriously."

His heart jumped into his throat, but he said "Well?" and she went on.

"Louise tells me that you think of bringing this young man down to the
shore with you when you come to see us next week."

"Maxwell? I thought the change might do him good; yes," said Matt, with
a cowardly joy in his escape from the worst he feared. He thought she
was going to speak to him of Suzette.

She said, "I don't wish you to bring him. I don't wish Louise to see him
again after she leaves this place--ever again. She is fascinated with
him."

"Fascinated?"

"I can't call it anything else. I don't say that she's in love; but
there's no question but she's allowed her curiosity to run wild, and her
fancy to be taken; the two strongest things in her--in most girls. I
want to break it all up."

"But do you think--"

"I _know_. It isn't that she's with him at every moment, but that her
thoughts are with him when they're apart. He puzzles her; he piques her;
she's always talking and asking about him. It's their difference in
everything that does it. I don't mean to say that her heart is touched,
and I don't intend it shall be. So, you mustn't ask him to the shore
with you, and if you've asked him already, you must get out of it. If
you think he needs sea air, you can get him board at some of the
resorts. But not near us." She asked, in default of any response from
her son, "You _don't_ think, Matt, it would be well for the acquaintance
to go on?"

"No, I don't mother; you're quite right as to that," said Matt, "if
you're not mistaken in supposing--"

"I'm not; you may depend upon it. And I'm glad you can see the matter
from my point of view. It is all very well for you to have your queer
opinions, and even to live them. I think it's all ridiculous; but your
father and I both respect you for your sincerity, though your course has
been a great disappointment to us."

"I know that, mother," said Matt, groaning in spirit to