The moment he had done so, George said eagerly:
"He has told you, hasn't he?"
Effie nodded.
"Then I needn't go over it. Let's talk of something else. How is mother?"
"She is very ill indeed—she watched for you all the evening."
"Watched for me? But I told her I shouldn't be back to-night."
"Yes; but she didn't believe you, or she forgot it—anyhow, she watched for you, and when you didn't come, her mind began suddenly to wander; she is in bed now—she is very, very ill."
"Go on," said George; "hammer it in hard—I deserve it all."
"Oh, George, why will you talk like that? Don't you believe in my love for you?"
"I believe in mother's love. It's the only thing I have left to cling to. I believe she'd go on loving me even after this—I do truly."