John had resolved, if possible, to make the girl talk about herself. It would not only be interesting, but it would serve to keep his own thoughts away from Marjorie. But he realized that he must be very tactful.
“And do you like your work, Miss Snyder?” he asked, casually.
“Yes—and no,” she replied, thoughtfully. “I want to earn some money to pay my debts, but I shall be dreadfully sorry to leave your mother.”
John started; he had not considered this possibility. He had taken it for granted that the girl would remain with his mother as long as she had the cottage.
“Leave mother?” he repeated. “But why should you?”
“Why, I don’t know. I never thought of anything else.”
“But you’re such company for her!” objected the young man. “And you needn’t be under any obligations to her—you can pay board, if you wish.”
“Yes, of course. But she might need the room—”
“Nonsense!” interrupted John. “Nobody wants an attic room! Mother couldn’t offer it to anybody her own age, and she never has young guests. And you probably couldn’t get another so cheaply anywhere else.”
“Yes, that’s true. But do you suppose she wants me?”