"You should not talk in such a way, Helen," she said. "A broken heart is not a thing of which to speak lightly."
"I did not intend to speak lightly," answered Helen. "I meant what I said very seriously. I do not think I could bear it."
"That is foolish," continued her mother. "We must bear whatever God sends."
"I do not think Helen will ever have to bear a broken heart, or anything like it," observed Marion. "I am very certain that she is made for happy fortune."
"No one in the world, who lives for any length of time, can know unbrokenly happy fortune," said Mrs. Dalton, gravely. "But I do not think it well to discuss such personal subjects."
"Then we will discuss the rich old man who has a highly-trained nurse and a staff of servants," said Marion, laughingly. "Tell me"—turning to Rathborne—"what is his name?"
"Singleton," replied that gentleman. "Have you never heard of him? He is a very rich man; and Tom Singleton—the husband of the lady you have seen—hopes to inherit his wealth."
"He is his nearest relative?"
"Oh, I presume there are other nieces and nephews, but he is a favorite of the old man."
"Have I not heard something of a disowned son?" asked Mrs. Dalton.