"You're not much of a lover," she said, looking towards him with a wistful smile.
"What do you mean, mother?"
"I mean," she said, "that if I were a lad and had made up my mind to win a lass, I would do it. I wouldn't stay away from her! If you love her, Paul, tell her so. She'll think none the less of you!"
"How can I?" he asked. "I don't know where she lives."
"And have never taken the trouble to find out!" was his mother's retort. "I tell you, my boy, no lass that ever lived thinks more of a lad for staying in the background. You don't know what Wilson's doing!"
"No," replied Paul. "But I do not think she has promised him anything; in fact, I am sure she has not. I saw him only to-day, and if she had promised him, he would not look as he did look! All the same, I feel as though my lips were sealed, mother! If I went to her now she would scorn me, and I couldn't bear that. No, I must wait my time, and when that time comes neither Wilson nor anyone else shall stand in my way!"
"If she could see you two together," replied his mother fondly, "there's not the slightest doubt as to which she would choose!"
"Nonsense, mother!" said Paul with a laugh, and yet her words cheered him in spite of himself.
"I'm not so old, my boy, but what I know what a lass feels, and what she likes!"
"I'm nobody yet," said Paul. "I'm only just a beginner, and Wilson is one of the richest men in Brunford."