“I don't need his influence, Mother. I took the place merely because of a whim. Now that I have lost it I am no worse off than I was before.”
“But you enjoyed the work?”
“Yes.”
I was only beginning to realize how much I had enjoyed it. I sighed, involuntarily.
Mother heard the sigh and the pressure of her hand on mine tightened.
“Poor boy!” she said again. Then, after a moment, “I wish I might talk with Miss Colton about this.”
I started violently. What had put that idea in her head?
“Miss Colton!” I exclaimed. “Mother, whatever you do, don't speak to her—about me.”
“Why not? She has not called on us for some time, but she is interested in you, I know. And perhaps her father could—”
“Mother, don't.”