"And you still mean to go to Ireland?"
"Yes;—I must go to Ireland. I shan't stay there, you know."
Then she paused a moment before she proceeded. "Shall you see—that young woman when you are there?"
"I suppose I shall see her."
"Pray do not think that I desire to interfere with your private affairs. I know well that I have no right to assume over you any of that affectionate authority which a mother might have,—though in truth I love you as a son."
"I would treat you just as I would my own mother."
"No, Fred; that cannot be so. A mother would throw her arms round you and cling to you if she saw you going into danger. A mother would follow you, hoping that she might save you."
"But there is no danger."
"Ah, Fred, I fear there is."
"What danger?"