The first break will
be painful to all of us, but we shall soon shake down, and then you
and Anna will own that it was for the best. When you want me I shall
always be at your service. I shall see you every few days--Cheyne
Walk and Queen's Gate are not very far apart. As soon as I am
settled, you and Anna must come and have tea with me, and I must
introduce you to the Kestons. Now, mother dear, say something
comforting to a fellow;" and then Mrs. Herrick smiled faintly. She
loved her son far too well to hurt him by her reproaches; in her
secret heart she strongly disapproved of the step he was taking, but
she was a sensible woman, and knew that it was no good crying over
spilt milk.
At eight-and-twenty a man may refuse with some show of reason to be
attached to his mother's leading-strings, and may also be permitted
to strike out new paths for himself. Nevertheless, for many a long
day Mrs. Herrick carried a heavy heart, and only her adopted
daughter guessed how sorely Malcolm was missed by his mother.
CHAPTER IV
ANNA
Better to feel a love within
Than be lovely to the sight!
Better a homely tenderness
Than beauty's wild delight!
MACDONALD.
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