"And he has done it," was Malcolm's answer; "he has been perfectly
conscientious; if he grumbled a bit now and then, no one could
wonder, at his age. Mother, it is no good talking--it is not only
the question of the latch-key, I want to have a place where I can be
free to lead my own life and see my own friends; there is no room
for them here--your busy life is too much crowded up with work to
have leisure for society."

"I have never refused to entertain your friends, Malcolm;" and a
dull red flush crossed the mother's face, as though this reproach
had gone home.

"Possibly not," rather coldly, "I do not think I have ever asked
you; but, mother, let us make an end of this. 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