You are thirty-seven,
if I remember right, and you don't look thirty. I am forty, and look
at the very least ten years older."
Mrs. Conway did not contradict him, for she could not have done so
with truth.
"You are changed, Herbert; a great deal changed," she said sadly,
"although I should have know you anywhere. You are so much thinner
than when I saw you last; but your eyes have not changed, nor your
smile. Of course your hair having got gray makes a difference,
and--and--" and she stopped.
"I am changed altogether, Mary. I was a headstrong, impetuous young
fellow then. I am a fragile and broken man now. But I am happy to meet
you again. Very happy in the thought that I can benefit your son. I
have an interest in life now that I wanted before; and in spite of my
being anxious about Ralph while he was away, have been happier for the
last six months than I have been for seventeen years past." Mrs.
Conway turned away to conceal the tears that stood in her eyes, and a
moment later said:
"I am a most forgetful hostess, Mabel. I have not even asked you to
take off your things. Please come along and let me show you your room.
Supper will be ready in a minute or two, and here are we stopping and
forgetting that you and Mr. Penfold must be almost famished."
As soon as they had sat down to supper, Mr.
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