"This is not Genevieve's affair. It is mine!" thundered Jared. His mother jumped up, ran to him, and gave him a kiss. For the moment she forgot his illness, his uncertain future, her own debts, all her troubles, in the joy of hearing him at last assert his will against that of his wife. But it was only for a moment; she knew--knew far better than he did--that the even-tempered feminine pertinacity would always in the end have its way. Jared, impulsive, generous, affectionate, was no match for Genevieve. In a contest of this sort it is the nobler nature, always, that yields; the self-satisfied, limited mind has an obstinacy that never gives way. She leaned her head against her son's breast, and all the bitterness of his marriage came over her afresh like a flood. "Why, mother, what is it?" asked Jared, feeling her tremble. He put his arm round her, and smoothed her hair tenderly. "Tell me what it is that troubles you so?" The gate swung to. Mrs. Franklin lifted her head. "Ruth is coming," she whispered. "Say what you like to her. But, under all circumstances, remember to be kind. I will come back presently." She hurried out. Rinda and Ruth entered. Rinda went to the kitchen, and Ruth, after taking off her hat, came into the parlor, carrying her glass of cream. "Jared!" She put down the glass on the table, and threw her arms round her brother's neck. "Oh, I am _so_ glad you have come!" "Sit down. Here, by me. I wish to speak to you, Ruth." "Yes--about my engagement. It's very good of you to come so soon;" and she put her hand through his arm in her old affectionate way. "I do not call it an engagement when you have neither your mother's consent nor mine," answered her brother. "Whatever it is, however, you must make an end of it." "An end of it? Why?" "Because we all dislike the idea. You are too young to comprehend what you are doing." "I am nineteen; that is not so very young. I comprehend that I am going to be happy. And I _love_ to be happy! I have never seen any one half so kind as Mr. Chase. If there is anything I want to do, he arranges it. He doesn't wait, and hesitate, and consider; he _does_ it. He thinks of everything; it is perfectly beautiful! Why, Jared--what he did for you, wasn't that kind?" "Exactly. That is what he has bribed you with!"