sadly? You know I will. Yes, indeed,' she said, drawing closer,
'whatever may be said of you--and nothing bad can be--I will cling
to you just the same. Your ways shall be my ways until I die.'

'Did you ever think what my parents might be, or what society I
originally moved in?'

'No, not particularly. I have observed one or two little points
in your manners which are rather quaint--no more. I suppose you
have moved in the ordinary society of professional people.'

'Supposing I have not--that none of my family have a profession
except me?'

'I don't mind. What you are only concerns me.'

'Where do you think I went to school--I mean, to what kind of
school?'

'Dr. Somebody's academy,' she said simply.

'No. To a dame school originally, then to a national school.'

'Only to those! Well, I love you just as much, Stephen, dear
Stephen,' she murmured tenderly, 'I do indeed. And why should you
tell me these things so impressively? What do they matter to me?'

He held her closer and proceeded:

'What do you think my father is--does for his living, that is to