h, of course, I was married much younger than
you.... Now, Carlisle, I have refused to believe that your quarrel with
Hugo is irreparable."

Carlisle started as if slapped. Had mamma jerked her by a string, she
could not have turned more sharply. The little general, leaning forward,
swept on with hurried firmness.

"I see, of course, that you have taken your quarrel very seriously, very
hard. You feel that in your anger you both said terrible things which
can't possibly be overlooked. But, my child, remember that the course of
true love never did run smooth. There have been few engagements which
weren't broken off at least once, few marriages when the wife didn't
make up her mind--"

"Mamma!" said Cally, rousing herself as from a cataleptic sleep. "You
can't have understood what I told you that night. This was not a quarrel
at all, in any sense--"

"I know! I understand! I withdraw the word cheerfully," said mamma, in
just that tone and manner which made the strange similarity between her
and Hugo. "But what I want to say, Cally, is this. Hugo is still in
Washington. Willie Kerr, to whom I talked by telephone last night, had a
telegram from him yesterday. Now, my child, men do not take women's
angry speeches quite as seriously as you think. Hugo is mad about you.
All he wants is _you_--"

"Oh, please--_please_! Don't say any more. You don't--"

"No, hear me out! See for yourself if my plan is not diplomatic and
feasible, and involves no surrender of pride. I shall send Willie Kerr
on to Washington this afternoon. He will go ostensibly on private
business with one of the Departments,--though I will, of course, pay all
expenses,--and putting up at Hugo's hotel, will meet him as if by
accident. In their talk Willie, who is tact and loyalty itself, will
perhaps mention your sickness, though without comment. Gradually the
impression will come to Hugo that if he returns, with, of course,
suitable apologies--"

"Mamma," said Cally, starting up, very white, "if you do any such thing
as that I'll go away somewhere. I _will_ go and earn my own living....
I'll go _and live with the Cooneys_!"

The two women gazed at each other. Over the mother's face there spread a
slow flush; the round, purple birthmark darkened. Cally spoke again,
with deadly earnestness.

"I _did_ think you understood about this.... If you persuade Hugo to
walk down from Washington on his knees.... I'll not see him."

Mrs. Heth, curiously, had been