“It may avail you though, madam! It is sometimes prudent to let well alone. May I not suggest that a hostile attempt on your part, might lead to awkward revelations?” “Ah, where could the seed of slander find fitter soil than the heart of a son with whom the prayer of his mother is powerless!” To all appearance she had thoroughly regained her composure, and looked at him with a quite artistic reproach. “The prayer of a mother that never prayed in her life!” returned John; “--of a woman that never had an anxiety but for herself!--I don't believe you are my mother. If I was born of you, there must have been some juggling with my soul in antenatal regions! I disown you!” cried John with indignation that grew as he gave it issue. Her face turned ashy white; but whether it was from conscience or fear, or only with rage, who could tell! She was silent for a moment. Then again recovering herself,-- “And what, pray, would you make of me?” she said coolly. “Your slave?” “I would have you an honest woman! I would die for that!--Oh, mother! mother!” he cried bitterly. “That being apparently impossible, what else does my dutiful son demand of his mother?” “That she should leave me unmolested in my choice of a wife. It does not seem to me an unreasonable demand!” “Nor does it seem to me an unreasonable reply, that any mother would object to her son's marrying a girl whose father she could throw into a felon's-prison with a word!” “That the girl does not happen to be the daughter of the gentleman you mean, signifies nothing: I am very willing she should pass for such. But take care. He is ready to meet whatever you have to say. He is not gone for his own sake, but to be out of the way of our happiness--to prevent you from blasting us with a public scandal. If you proceed in your purpose, we shall marry at once, and make your scheme futile.” “How are you to live, pray?” “Madam, that is my business,” answered John. “Are you aware of the penalty on your marrying without my consent?” pursued his mother. “I am not. I do not believe there is any such penalty.” “You dare me?” “I do.” “Marry, then, and take the consequences.” “If there were any, you would not thus warn me of them.” “John Day, you are no gentleman!” “I shall not ask your definition of a gentleman, madam.” “Your father was a clown!” “If my father were present, he would show himself a gentleman by making you no answer. If you say a word more against him, I will leave the room.” “I tell you your father was a clown and a fool--like yourself!” John turned and went to the stable, had old Sturdy saddled, and came to me.