Page:Sanctuary (Wharton 1903).djvu/146

 clear now that Dick had not spoken, and she felt the responsibility that devolved upon her.

&quot;Getting on in a career—is that always the first thing to be considered?&quot; she asked, letting her eyes rest musingly on the girl's.

The glance did not disconcert Miss Verney, who returned it with one of equal comprehensiveness. &quot;Yes,&quot; she said quickly, and with a slight blush. &quot;With a temperament like Mr. Peyton's I believe it is. Some people can pick themselves up after any number of bad falls: I am not sure that he could. I think discouragement would weaken instead of strengthening him.&quot;

Both women had forgotten external conditions in the quick reach for each other s meanings. Mrs. Peyton flushed, her maternal pride in revolt; but the answer was checked on her lips by the sense of the girl's unexpected insight. Here was some one who knew Dick as well as she did—should