"Very likely not, dear mother," Rupert said, supporting her with his arm. "But setting aside the gratitude, which is certainly her due, from me at least, I am sure you will soon learn to love her for her many very lovable qualities."
"I do not doubt it, my son. And it rejoices my heart to see how great is your mutual love. I trust it may but increase with years, as has your father's and mine."
"I hope so indeed, mother. It has always been very evident to me that you and my father loved each other dearly. I do not remember ever to have heard either one address an unkind word to the other."
"No," she said; "your father has been the best of husbands to me always."
Then after a little pause, "Has your wife any education, Rupert?"
"Not much besides what I have contrived to give her myself in the three years we have been together," he said. "But I have really succeeded in giving her a good deal of general information orally, and have taught her to read English, using my Bible as a text-book, and to write, using a pointed stick and the sand.
"I had thought of placing her in a boarding-school for a time, but she was so distressed at the very suggestion—declaring that it would break her heart to be separated from me—that I have quite given up the idea.
"She is very bright, quick to catch an idea, and more than willing to study under my tuition, to please me, if for no other reason.
"And she has great musical talent. I must get her to sing for you all this evening. You will be delighted with her voice and her execution."