"Not precisely, mother,--rather out of humour."
"I shall be glad of anything," said his mother, gazing at him admiringly, "that brings you home again, Guy."
"Bring me home a better man, I hope, mother," said he kissing her as he left the room. "I will see you again by and by."
"'A better man!'" thought Mrs. Carleton, as she sat with full eyes, the image of her son filling the place where his presence had been;--"I would be willing never to see him better and be sure of his never being worse!"
Mr. Carleton's farewell visit found Mr. and Mrs. Rossitur not at home. They had driven out early into the country to fetch Marion from her convent for some holiday. Fleda came alone into the saloon to receive him.
"I have your rose in safe keeping, Elfie," he said. "It has done me more good than ever a rose did before."
Fleda smiled an innocently pleased smile. But her look changed when he added,
"I have come to tell you so and to bid you good-bye."
"Are you going away, Mr. Carleton?"
"Yes."