none. "Well, David?"
"Well, mother?" and then: "I think I will go to bed. I am rarely tired, and bed is the place for me." He kissed his mother, then took hold of her chin and lifted her face to look in his eyes. "What is it, little mother, what is it?" he asked gayly and obtusely.
"Aren't you a bit stupid, David, not to see? I wish—I do wish you could care for Lady Clara. She really is charming."
"I do care for her—as Lady Clara Temple. She is charming, and, as you say of me, a bit stupid. What has Laura been doing these two months?"
"Preparing for her coming out after her own fashion. We've been a good deal in town, but she has a reckless way of doing anything she pleases, quite regardless."
"She is a big-hearted fine lass, mother. Don't let her ways trouble you."
"She needs the right influence, and Lady Clara seems to exert it over her—at least I think she will in time."
"Ah, very good, let her. I won't interfere. Good night, little mother; sleep well. If I am late in the morning, don't be annoyed. I've had three wakeful nights. The sea was very rough."
"David!" Lady Thryng placed her hands on his shoulders and