the conversation.

"Do you remember Cora Mitchin?"

"I remember nothing about such people."

"Unfortunately, Harry knew her, and I have----"

"Adriana, let me tell you one thing, a wise woman does not trouble
herself about her husband's private friends. Harry is kind to you. He
keeps his home handsomely. He is seen at your side both in church and
society, and it is quite possible to ask too much from a good husband.
Harry is young yet--too young to have so many obligations and cares as
he has."

"I think you mistake me, mother. Have I made a complaint of Harry? Not
one. I was only going to tell you that the girl I spoke of has been
genuinely reformed and has joined the Salvation Army."

"I cannot believe in such reformations. I thought it was of Harry you
had good news to tell."

"The girl came to see me at our house, and as Harry came in while
she was present, she told him about her conversation; and the
circumstances have had a great influence upon him. I do not think
Harry will err in that respect again." But Adriana spoke coldly,
and felt unable to enter into details; Mrs. Filmer's face was so
unresponsive and even angry.

"The girl came to your house! What an impertinence! And you received
her and allowed her to talk about her--conversion! I am simply amazed
at you, Adriana! And you think Harry will err no more? You poor
deluded woman! The girl was probably hunting Harry up. I have no doubt
she considers her visit to you a most excellent joke. Did you see no
look of understanding between Harry and this converted young woman?"

"I left them alone to converse."

"Excuse me, Adriana, but I cannot comprehend such romantic puddling
folly--such quixotic generosity! It was wrong, both for Harry and for
yourself."

"I am sure it was not wrong, mother. I know that Harry was greatly
moved by the girl's experience. I can trust Harry for the future. With
God's help he is going to be a very different man. He told me so this
morning. I believed him. And I did hope you would be glad to hear
it."

"Of course I am glad. If he keeps his intentions it will be a good
thing--but men never do."

"If they trust to themselves, they fail, of course; but Harry knows
better than that."

"I only hope he will not grow too good. One saint in the family is
sufficient;" and with a smile which did not quite take away the sting
of the mock compliment, Mrs. Filmer put Adriana--who had risen--back
into her chair, saying:

"You