There was another pause and Helen put her hand up to her mother's. The girl had not yet looked up. Her eyes were cast down and she seemed very thoughtful.
"Mother, do you think I will ever feel that way? As you did?"
Mrs. Douglas was startled by the question, in spite of the fact that from Helen's babyhood the utmost frankness had existed between them. She wanted a few moments before she spoke. Helen was "till looking down, but her hand tightened its hold on her mother's.
"Yes, Helen, I would not wish you any greater happiness than to love as your mother did."
"But men like father seem very scarce."
Mrs. Douglas could not help laughing, and at that Helen looked up soberly.
"You know they are, mother," said Helen almost indignantly. "Just look at that Randolph boy. And—and—Mr. Damon. I don't believe there are any young men like father was when he was young. Wasn't he very handsome?"
"He certainly was, and he is now."
"And didn't he talk sensibly? Didn't he know how to say things?"
"He didn't say anything very wise or deep while he was courting me," laughed Esther. "I would not dare say how many foolish things he said. I don't remember all of them."