"Lorna did not sleep at home last night," she said, presently, as if reluctantly forced to impart this information.
"Where was she?" he queried, blankly.
"She said she would stay with a friend."
"What friend?"
"Some girl. Oh, it's all right I suppose. She's stayed away before with girl friends.... But what worried me...."
"Well," queried Lane, as she paused.
"Lorna was angry again last night. And she told me if you didn't stop your nagging she'd go away from home and stay. Said she could afford to pay her board."
"She told me that, too," replied Lane, slowly. "And—I'm afraid she meant it."
"Leave her alone, Daren."
"Poor mother! I'm afraid I'm a—a worry to you as well as Lorna," he said, gently, with a hand going to her worn cheek. She said nothing, although her glance rested upon him with sad affection.