ver do to listen to my neighbor
instead of straining my ears across the table in your direction. And I
am sure it was not maternal prejudice that picked you out in a ball
room, for it was not I who made you leader of all the cotillons so long
as you cared to dance them. Then how more proud I was of you when you
interested yourself in politics. I love my country. Your father fought,
and bravely, in the civil war; so did my brother. And I know if such a
terrible calamity as another war should befall us, you would be ready.
The patriot fights for his country, in peace, in politics, and I am
happy to say your interest in our government is as keen and active
to-day as ever. Then there is the ever increasing success in your
profession--haven't I been through it all with you! Never, I am sure,
were a mother and son more sympathetic. The reason I came abroad this
year was because I was afraid we were getting too dependent on each
other. I realized you now preferred staying home with me evening after
evening instead of going out. I loved it, but I knew it was wrong. I
argued if I went away for a little you would go out into society again,
and to your clubs, seeking companionship. It was not good for a young
man--I said to myself--not more than thirty-three, to be spending all
of his spare time with an old woman--for practically I am that, though
you must never call me so; it would break my heart! And so, though it
was really an awful break for me to do it, I went away, and the only
thing I wanted to happen did, only more. Oh, yes! more than I
wanted--because I didn't want you to marry--not yet! And if I hadn't
gone away you would probably never have met this Miss Stone, and you
would have been just as happy. For you _were_ happy with me before you
met her; weren't you? Oh, of course, I know not _so_ happy, and not in
the same way, but later on you would have met perhaps Miss Stone, or
somebody else you would have cared for in the same way; don't you think
so? I am afraid, if I let myself, I'd be sorry I went away. And yet
no--_no_; I'm not so selfish as all that. If you really have found the
one woman in the world for you I will try to be glad. I WILL be glad. I
AM glad! There! I am. After all it is your happiness. How unhappy I
should feel if you loved her and she hadn't returned your love! Yes, it
is much better as it is--for _you_, so it must be for me, too. Allowing
even for all a lover's enthusiasm, Miss Stone must be very ch