Paul started when he saw how pale his mother was.
She sat down, pointing out a chair for her son; but he knelt at her feet, and, embracing her tenderly, said:
"You are the loveliest woman in the world, and the most intelligent; but, at the same time, you are the most ungrateful."
"I, ungrateful?"
"Oh! you need not look so astonished. Do you not remember when we used to live alone together, that I told you every thing? No matter what the trouble was, I would turn to you, and you would console me. How many times have you wiped away my tears! But now, you are in sorrow; and you will not confide in me."
Paul felt his mother tremble.
"You are mistaken dear child. I am not unhappy."
"Then, why are you so sad? Why do you tremble? Why are you so pale, and why are these tears in your eyes?"
Elaine's wounded heart could not withstand this loving appeal. Her head rested on Paul's shoulder, and she burst into tears.