say a cross word to you again. Hartman was right: he said you had more
penetration than any of us, and all sorts of virtues. O, you needn't
mind about blushing; we are alone. It's true, and I shall hold you in
honor accordingly."

"Brother, I hope you have not spoiled your work with careless handling.
I always distrust you when you begin your fine speeches."

"That was in the past, which we have put behind us: they come now from
the abundance of the heart. We are one, you know, and I am to tell you
everything. Jane, I've done exactly as you told me, and given you all
credit. She knows it was your move; and it's all right."

"Then you found that your imagination had created, or greatly magnified,
the difficulties, and that your fears were unnecessary?"

"Far from it. It was a terrible job for both of us: the mere
recollection of it is harrowing. Clarice is laid up, and only my
superior physical strength and fortitude, with an hour's recuperation,
enabled me to face you all at table."

"Then you must have been rough with her. Brother, how could you?"

"What did I tell you? You drive me, with all your sharp-pointed feminine
weapons, to a painful task, and then you blame me because you fancy I've
not discharged it as neatly as the angel Gabriel might. She thinks I
did, however. Was I rough with you last night? Is it my habit to go
around trampling on the finer feelings of our nature? In the hour of
woe, when your heartstrings are torn asunder, you will find me a
first-class comforter. I thought you knew that already."

"I doubt if Clarice knows it, if you took this tone with her. Can you
never be serious, Robert?"

"Good heavens, Jane, what would you have? Have I not been serious
through two weary months, and eminently so all this afternoon? I had to
be. Let the overstrung bow be relaxed a little now. You remember the
Prime Minister, who after an exciting debate used to go home and play
with his children?

"As exciting debates are usually conducted in the small hours, it was
cruel to disturb their infant slumbers. If you want to do that here you
will have to get Mabel's consent; it is out of my province. Best play
with your children before they go to bed."

"Children of a larger growth will serve. Bear with me, sister. My
faculties have been sorely tasked: I am spent and weary--"

"And you must have somebody to play with. Was that why you were so fond
of Clarice, because she sometimes humored you? She could har