ess, struggling to build up both body and spirit, far
from the sympathy and fellowship of his own.

Now she thrilled with the thought of what he might achieve if only he
would, but her heart misgave her that he still held some strange notions
of life. She thought the surest way to control his quixotic impulses was
to provide him with a good, practical wife,--one who would see the world
as it is and accept conditions that are stable, not trying to move
mountains, yet with sufficient ambition for both her husband and
herself. With a wife and children a man could not afford to be erratic.

"What were you saying, mother?"

"What were you thinking, David, that you did not hear me? I am telling
you we have just had a very delightful visit from Lady Clara Temple, and
Lady Temple and her son have called."

David made no reply. He seemed to think the remark called for none.
"Well, David?"

"Well, mother?" and then: "I think I will go to bed. I am rarely tired,
and bed is the place for me." He kissed his mother, then took hold of
her chin and lifted her face to look in his eyes. "What is it, little
mother, what is it?" he asked gayly and obtusely.

"Aren't you a bit stupid, David, not to see? I wish--I do wish you could
care for Lady Clara. She really is charming."

"I do care for her--as Lady Clara Temple. She is charming, and, as you
say of me, a bit stupid. What has Laura been doing these two months?"

"Preparing for her coming out after her own fashion. We've been a good
deal in town, but she has a reckless way of doing anything she pleases,
quite regardless."

"She is a big-hearted fine lass, mother. Don't let her ways trouble
you."

"She needs the right influence, and Lady Clara seems to exert it over
her--at least I think she will in time."

"Ah, very good, let her. I won't interfere. Good night, little mother;
sleep well. If I am late in the morning, don't be annoyed. I've had
three wakeful nights. The sea was very rough."

"David!" Lady Thryng placed her hands on his shoulders and held him,
looking in his eyes. "Marry Lady Clara. You are worthy of a princess, my
son. You can afford to be ambitious. The day may come when you can
entertain the king."

"Now really, mother; I'll entertain the king with pleasure. He's a fine
old chap. A little gay, you know, but quite the right sort. But Lady
Clara is a step too high. She'd rub it into me some day that I'd married
above my station, you know. Good night. Dream