Pagina 138 van 490

He walked up and down the room two or three times. Then he turned

to the still figure in the chair. "Mother, are my things ready?"

he asked.

"Quite ready, James," she answered, keeping her eyes on her work.

For some months past she had felt ill at ease when she was alone

with this rough stern son of hers. Her shallow secret nature was

troubled when their eyes met. She used to wonder if he suspected

anything. The silence, for he made no other observation, became

intolerable to her. She began to complain. Women defend

themselves by attacking, just as they attack by sudden and

strange surrenders. "I hope you will be contented, James, with

your sea-faring life," she said. "You must remember that it is

your own choice. You might have entered a solicitor's office.

Solicitors are a very respectable class, and in the country often

dine with the best families."