Mary went out, and Mrs. Clibborn put her hand on Jamie's arm.
"Do you dislike me very much, Jamie?" she murmured softly.
"On the contrary!"
"I'm afraid your mother doesn't care for me."
"I'm sure she does."
"Women have never liked me. I don't know why. I can't help it if I'm not exactly—plain, I'm as God made me."
James thought that the Almighty in that case must have an unexpected familiarity with the rouge-pot and the powder-puff.
"Do you know that I did all I could to prevent your engagement to Mary?"
"You!" cried James, thunderstruck. "I never knew that."
"I thought I had better tell you myself. You mustn't be angry with me. It was for your own good. If I had had my way you would never have become engaged. I thought you were so much too young."