“About your not studying law, and—everything.”

“I don't believe in crossing a river till I come to it,” said Jeff. “I didn't say anything to her about that.”

“You didn't!”

“No. What had it got to do with our being engaged?”

“What had your going back to Harvard to do with it? If your mother thinks I'm with her in that, she'll think I'm with her in the other. And I'm not. I'm with you.” She let her hand find his, as they walked side by side, and gave it a little pressure.

“It's the greatest thing, Cynthy,” he said, breathlessly, “to have you with me in that. But, if you said I ought to study law, I should do it.”

“I shouldn't say that, for I believe you're right; but even if I believed you were wrong, I shouldn't say it. You have a right to make your life what you want it; and your mother hasn't. Only she must know it, and you must tell her at once.”

“At once?”

“Yes—now. What good will it do to put it off? You're not afraid to tell her!”

“I don't like you to use that word.”