Page:Stella Dallas, a novel (IA stelladallasnove00prou).pdf/68

58 "I couldn't have equipped her any better for the present-day activities of a young girl's life than her own mother has done, Stephen," said Helen. "There doesn't appear to be a muscle or a bone in her body that has been neglected."

"I'm thinking about her soul," Stephen remarked.

"It hasn't lost any of its beauty yet, Stephen," Helen assured him. "She's as unspoiled a little girl as I know—so pleased (so genuinely pleased, too—you can tell by the shine in her eyes) at the least kindness or attention. And the combination in her of sophistication and innocence is a source of constant surprise to me—a source of constant joy, too. Oh, you needn't be afraid. So far the undesirable influences haven't hurt Laurel a bit."

"But she's getting older, Helen. Her youth and innocence cannot protect her always."

"Oh, I know, I know," agreed Helen; "I've thought of that, too. It's a pity. I'm so sorry, Stephen. Let her stay with me often—whenever you can. See them in there—all so happy. Don't take her to a hotel when she comes for the visits. Bring her to me here, or to the town house, if we've moved in."

back to New York that night over the almost deserted road (it was late. "Very late for thirteen," Mrs. Morrison had laughed, as she had tucked Laurel into a warm coat of her own), Laurel sat beside her father like a little stone image for the first ten minutes.