He beamed upon her in what he sincerely meant for a paternal manner.
"You, my dear child, look ripping! My hat, you are pretty! Ellen dear, my only wish is to make you as happy as you are bonny."
She looked at him searchingly, and her voice had a note of guarded alarm.
"What do you mean?"
His air became sympathy itself.
"My dear girl, I have been greatly distressed to hear that all has not been going smoothly with you and Andrew."
She gave him a quick glance and then looked away.
"Indeed!" she answered a little coldly. "Who told you that?"
"I can read it in my son's altered health."
She looked at him in surprise, but without anxiety.