She was thinking.
Why had he never "brought her up," never exacted obedience from her,
never even tried to influence her? It could not have been mere weakness.
She stole a sidelong glance at the tired, lined face with its steel-blue
eyes. She had never seen them other than calm, but they must have been
able to flash. Why had he always been so just and kind and patient with
her? Why had he never scolded her and bullied her and teased her? Why
had he let her go away, leaving him lonely in his empty, voiceless house?
Why had he never made any claim upon her? The idea came to her as an
inspiration. At least, it would ease her conscience. "Why don't you let
Arthur live here," she said, "instead of going back to his lodgings? It
would be company for you."
He did not answer for some time. She had begun to wonder if he had
heard.
"What do you think of him?" he said, without looking at her.
"Oh, he's quite a nice lad," she answered.
It was some while again before he spoke. "He will be the last of the
Allways," he said. "I should like to think of the name being continued;
and he's a good business man, in spite of his dreaminess.
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