The girl looked up. "Ten o'clock," she said.
"Dear, you ought to be going up. You look tired. Give me a kiss, Madeline."
For once, the girl got up at once and went over to her mother. Mrs. Ernest put her arms round her, and smoothed back her hair. She sighed. "I do hope you'll be happy," she said. "I'm sure I don't want anything except the best for my girl."
"I know, mumsie. Don't worry, darling."
"No, dear, I won't. Only—— Dear girl, I expect Paul is very easily led. That Father Vassall now. And a good woman can have such an influence on a man, Madeline."
The girl kissed her again, and hid her face on her shoulder.
"Your father and I have prayed for you ever since you were a wee girl, darling, that you might marry the right man. Good-night, dear child."
"Good-night, mumsie. Is daddy in the study?"
"Yes, dear. Tell him it's ten, will you? Paul comes home to-morrow, Madeline."
"Does he?"