"Well, my love."
"Did he say anything about—about what he was speaking to me about?"
"Well, Madeline; he did. He did say something on that subject; but I had not intended to tell you unless you had asked."
"I hope, mamma, he understands that what he wants can never happen;—that is if he does want it now?"
"He does want it certainly, my dear."
"Then I hope you told him that it can never be? I hope you did, mamma!"
"But why should you be so certain about it, my love? He does not intend to trouble you with his suit,—nor do I. Why not leave that to time? There can be no reason why you should not see him again on a friendly footing when this embarrassment between you shall have passed away."
"There would be no reason, mamma, if he were quite sure that there could never be any other footing."
"Never is a very long word."