"Poor thing!"
They all remained for a while without speaking, each one thinking his painful thoughts.
"Richmond," said Mrs. Parsons at last, "we mustn't blame the boy. It's not his fault. He can't help it if he doesn't love her."
"You wouldn't have me marry her without love, father?"
The question was answered by Mrs. Parsons.
"No; if you don't love her, you mustn't marry her. But what's to be done, I don't know. Poor thing, poor thing, how unhappy she must be!"
James sat with his face in his hands, utterly wretched, beginning already to see the great circle of confusion that he had caused. Mrs. Parsons looked at him and looked at her husband. Presently she went up to James.
"Jamie, will you leave us for a little? Your father and I would like to talk it over alone."
"Yes, mother."
James got up, and putting her hands on his shoulders, she kissed him.