Jack looked another way; he had a different opinion.
“Never mind,” he said, “don’t let us worry about it—you and I. It’s all past and gone, and there’s no help for it.”
“But you have worried,” she said. “You don’t look so well as you did, Jack. I hope—I do hope,” and her voice faltered.
Jack’s face flushed for a moment.
“You are going to scold me, as usual,” he said. “Well, go on, it will be your last opportunity, ma’am. I’ve reformed.”
There was something in his tone, something so earnest and grave, that she looked at him anxiously.
“Oh, Jack, I wish—I wish you would be more steady.”
“Wait and see,” he said, gravely, and in a low voice.
Mrs. Davenant wiped her eyes, and glanced at the clock. It was near the dinner hour.
“Do you want me to go?” said Jack, in his blunt way, and he took up his hat and gloves.