"It's not a place I should feel at home in," replied his mother.
"I'm sorry," said Jack. And he got up and began to walk about the room. "Well, well, mother," he said at last, stopping in front of Mrs. Ford, "we don't understand each other. One of these days we shall. For the present let us have done with discussion. I'm half sorry I told you."
"I'm glad of such a proof of your confidence. But if you hadn't, of course Elizabeth would have done so."
"No, Ma'am, I think not."
"Then she is even more reckless of her obligations than I thought her."
"I advised her to say nothing about it."
Mrs. Ford made no answer. She began slowly to fold up her work.
"I think we had better let the matter stand," continued her son. "I'm not afraid of time. But I wish to make a request of you: you won't mention this conversation to Lizzie, will you? nor allow her to suppose that you know of our engagement? I have a particular reason."
Mrs. Ford went on smoothing out her work. Then she suddenly looked up.
"No, my dear, I'll keep your secret. Give me a kiss."