"You are taking a great deal of trouble for me," she said, gratefully.
"No trouble at all," said Paul, cheerfully.
"That shows you have a kind heart. Have you a mother?"
"Yes, madam;" and Paul's face brightened as he thought how soon he should see her. He had not got weaned from his home and his mother, though he had reached the age at which many boys consider themselves entitled to do it.
"God grant she may long be spared to you!" said the lady.
"Perhaps you have a son?" said Paul, kindly.
"No; but if I had, I could wish he were such as you."
"Thank you."
"Dutiful and affectionate to his mother, as I am sure you are, and kind and obliging even to strangers, as you have been to me."
"I am afraid you have been unfortunate, madam," said Paul, respectfully.