ach them. I should
like to think--and I know--that you would be sorry to lose me; but to
see you miserable on my account, or to think you miserable after I have
gone--I couldn't bear that."

Will was silent, deeply impressed by the calm voice, the noble thought.
He had always felt no less respect than love for his mother, especially
during the latter years, when experience of life better enabled him to
understand her rare qualities; but a deeper reverence took possession
of him whilst she was speaking. Her words not only extended his
knowledge of her character; they helped him to an understanding of
himself, to a clearer view of life, and its possibilities.

"I want to speak to you of Jane," continued Mrs. Warburton, with a look
of pleasant reflection. "You know she went to see her friend, Miss
Winter, a few weeks ago. Has she told you anything about it?"

"Nothing at all."

"Well, do you know that Miss Winter has taken up flower-growing as a
business, and it looks as if she would be very successful. She is
renting more land, to make gardens of, and has two girls with her, as
apprentices. I think that's what Jane will turn to some day. Of course
she won't be really obliged to work for her living, but, when she is
alone, I'm certain she won't be content to live just as she does
now--she is far too active; but for me, I daresay she would go and join
Miss Winter at once."

"I don't much care for that idea of girls going out to work when they
could live quietly at home," said Will.

"I used to have the same feeling," answered his mother, "but Jane and I
have often talked about it, and I see there is something to be said for
the other view. At all events, I wanted to prevent you from wondering
what was to become of her when she was left alone. To be sure," she
added, with a bright smile, "Jane may marry. I hope she will. But I
know she won't easily be persuaded to give up her independence. Jane is
a very independent little person."

"If she has that in mind," said Will, "why shouldn't you both go and
live over there, in Suffolk? You could find a house, no doubt--"

Mrs. Warburton gently shook her head.

"I don't think I could leave The Haws. And--for the short time--"

"Short time? but you are not seriously ill, mother."

"If I get stronger," said Mrs. Warburton, without raising her eyes, "we
must manage to send Jane into Suffolk. I could get along very well
alone. But there--we have talked enough for this eveni