'Jessie can take care of herself,' I said, assuming an easiness I did not feel; she is not happy at home, as we know; but we know, also, who is to blame for that. I suppose she refuses to listen to you because she feels that the subject you wish to speak to her upon is a painful one. I should do the same in her place.'
'I don't blame her, my dear; don't think that I blame her. But I must not forget my duty. She has no mother; do not I stand in that relation to her?'
I kissed my mother for these words.
'Then, knowing that I wish her nothing but good, why does she avoid me so steadily? O Chris, my child! greater unhappiness than all may come from her distrust of me.'
A tremor ran through my frame. Not love alone, but pity, was expressed in my mother's face and tone.
'I don't quite understand you, mother,' I said.
'Where does Jessie go to in the day, my dear?'
'Where does Jessie go to in the day!' I repeated. 'Does she go anywhere?'
'Then you do not know, my dear; she hides it from you as well. For the last fortnight she has gone out every morning at eleven 'o'clock, and has not returned until four. I have put her dinner by for her every day, but she will not eat it, and she refuses to say where she has been.'
I considered for a few moments, and soon arrived at a satisfactory conclusion.