"When you are married to him?"
"Yes."
"Mother," exclaimed Frank, impetuously, "don't marry this man! Let us live alone, as we have done. We don't want any third person to come in, no matter who he is. I'll take care of you."
"You are only a boy, Frank."
"But I am already fifteen. I shall soon be a man at any rate, and I am sure we can get along as well as we have done."
Mrs. Hunter was not a strong or a resolute woman, but even women of her type can be obstinate at times. She had convinced herself, chiefly through Mr. Craven's suggestion, that the step she was about to take was for Frank's interest, and the thought pleased her that she was sacrificing herself for him. The fact that she didn't fancy Mr. Craven, of course heightened the sacrifice, and so Frank found her far more difficult of persuasion than he anticipated. She considered that he was but a boy and did not understand his own interests, but would realize in future the wisdom of her conduct.
"I have given my promise, Frank," she said.
"But you can recall it."
"It would not be right. My dear Frank, why can you not see this matter as I do? I marry for your sake."
"Then, mother, I have the right to ask you not to do it. It will make me unhappy."