"I will inquire into it. At present you are wanted in the parlor."
So Thorne left the presence of the principal and entered the opposite room. A lady, seated on a sofa, arose quickly, and advanced to meet him. She kissed the boy's cheek, to which he submitted without manifesting any responsive feeling.
"How long it is since I saw you, Nicholas, my dear boy!" she said.
"It's only about six months," said Nicholas, stolidly.
"And are not six months long for a mother to be separated from her only child?" said the lady, tenderly.
"It doesn't seem so long," said Nicholas.
The lady looked pained, but she proceeded:
"How you have grown!"
"Yes, I've grown," said Nicholas, showing a little pleasure now. "I think I shall be a large man."
"Like your father. And how are you improving in your studies, Nicholas?"