“I tell you what,” said the boy, then, bursting out into an angry whimpering, “you’re a selfish jade, and you think there’s not enough for three of us, and you want to get rid of me.”

“If you believe so, Charley⁠—yes, then I believe too, that I am a selfish jade, and that I think there’s not enough for three of us, and that I want to get rid of you.”

It was only when the boy rushed at her, and threw his arms round her neck, that she lost her self-restraint. But she lost it then, and wept over him.

“Don’t cry, don’t cry! I am satisfied to go, Liz; I am satisfied to go. I know you send me away for my good.”

“O, Charley, Charley, Heaven above us knows I do!”

“Yes yes. Don’t mind what I said. Don’t remember it. Kiss me.”

After a silence, she loosed him, to dry her eyes and regain her strong quiet influence.