Minnie he had
forgotten; the mother came before him in such a new light that he
could hardly believe his former wish to call her mother-in-law. This
strange emotion was very disturbing. As if he had not worry enough
already!
Delicacy kept him away from the china shop. He knew how hard it must
be for the poor woman to disguise her feelings before Minnie and
other people. Minnie, to be sure, would understand signs of distress
as a result of her father's brief reappearance, but Mrs. Clover's
position was no less lamentable. He wished to be at her side
endeavouring to console her. Yet, as likely as not, all he said
would give her more pain than comfort.
Ah, but there was a woman! Was he likely ever to meet another who
had pluck and goodness and self-respect like hers? Minnie? Some day,
perhaps, being her mother's daughter. But Minnie, after all, was
little more than a child. And he could no longer think of her in the
old way it made him uncomfortable if he tried to do so.
Polly? Ah, Polly! Polly be hanged!
He had an appointment with her for this evening--not at the theatre
door, for Polly no longer went to the theatre.
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