Paul was silent, and Scott continued:
“It may be a trivial matter, but I wish to know it.”
Paul paused a moment, and then as the tears dropped from his heavy lashes, he said:
“Mr. Wilmer, I do not care for myself, but I know it will grieve you. It was Mrs. Wilmer who ordered me to stay away.”
“What! my mother?”
“No, sir; your wife.”
“What reason did she give?”
“She said she wished to occupy it herself a greater part of the time.”
“Is she really so selfish?” Scott asked.