“Called!” interrupted Mrs. Morland vehemently “yes—to pry into my affairs and gossip over my changed circumstances. Ah! Frances, you don’t know the world yet, thank Heaven; you look on it still with a girl’s eyes, thoughtless and ignorant. No, you must not attempt to question my judgment in such matters. I could not endure to be pitied.”
“Nor I, Mamma.”
“Then don’t put your acquaintances to the test,” said Mrs. Morland bitterly.
Frances looked up with clear, wondering eyes.
“Would you rather I did not go to our Altruist meetings, then, Mamma? You know, I’ve joined our little club again lately. Of course, all the girls understand that I can be with them only once in a way, and that I can’t make things for our stores, but they don’t seem to mind.”
A smile of pleasure brightened the girl’s face as she recalled the enthusiasm which had greeted her return to the Altruists.
“By all means go to your meetings, child. It was not by my wish that you left off doing so. And by all means attend regularly, and get what fun you can in your dull life. As to the work, you shall not be entirely empty-handed. You and I will set up a work-basket between us; and if we have no new material, we can alter and cut down our own old clothes.”
“Oh, Mamma, that would be lovely!” said Frances gratefully.
“I will look over your wardrobe this afternoon and bring down some of the things you have quite outgrown. And, my dear, I wish you to consider the matter of our meals as settled. We will all dine together, and we shall have nice long evenings. Why, the Altruist work-basket will be a positive blessing to me. You young people mustn’t be surprised if I pay a visit to your study sometimes; it is just a little lonely in my room after dark. I will sew while you are busy with your lessons, and then we shall save a fire. We might let the kitchen fire go out now and then after tea, and keep one in the sitting-room, so that we could have an hour or two’s music. James has a nice voice—you must teach him to sing.” ...
“Mamma!—mamma darling!” Frances had flown to Mrs. Morland. Their cheeks were pressed together, their arms were about one another.