Page:The Fruit of the Tree (Wharton 1907).djvu/193

Rh that as a reproach? That’s because men will never understand women—least of all, sons their mothers. No real mother wants to come ﬁrst; she puts her son’s career ahead of everything. But it’s different with a wife—and a wife as much in love as Bessy.”

Amherst looked away. “I should have thought that was a reason"

“That would reconcile her to being set aside, to counting only second in your plans?”

“They were her plans when we married!”

“Ah, my dear—!” She paused on that, letting her shrewd old glance, and all the delicate lines of experience in her face, supply what farther comment the ineptitude of his argument invited.

He took the full measure of her meaning, receiving it in a bafﬂed silence that continued as she rose and gathered her lace mantle about her, as if to signify that their conﬁdences could not, on such an occasion, be farther prolonged without singularity. Then he stood up also and joined her, resting his hand on hers while she leaned on the verandah rail.

“Poor mother! And I’ve kept you to myself all this time, and spoiled your good afternoon.”

“No, dear; I was a little tired, and had slipped away to be quiet.” She paused, and then went on, persuasively giving back his pressure: “I know how you feel about doing your duty, John; but now that things [ 177 ]