"You have a good heart, mamma," Pavel said softly.
"I'm very glad if I have. If I could only help you in some way, all of you. If I only could!"
"Don't fear, you will."
She laughed softly:
"I can't help fearing; that's exactly what I can't help. But thank you for the good word, my dear son."
"All right, mother; don't let's talk about it any more. Know that I love you; and I thank you most heartily."
She walked into the kitchen in order not to annoy him with her tears.
CHAPTER XVIII
