"I never thought then she'd become a Suffragette. Militant too!--it's so unlike Mother. She's always been so gentle and hated publicity--the very thought of a crowd would keep her at home. But when she took it up she went quite mad about it. That's where Stephen came in--he was Secretary, you see. Mother's no earthly good at any sort of business--she always depended on Father for everything. And of course she missed him frightfully, and Roddy's only a boy. So Stephen used to come and explain things to her." They turned into the open park where the wet asphalt path cut across the empty grass like a tight-drawn wire. "Where does Stephen live?" McTaggart's voice was hard. This child-friend of his was very dear to him. "Just round the corner, but, like the poor, you know, he's 'with us always'--it's practically his home. Mother found him new digs up by Primrose Hill. She thought West Kensington air too depressing!--that Stephen looked pale, was inclined to be anaemic." McTaggart smiled at her rueful grimace. "So now he nurses his failing strength under your Mother's eye?" "She gives him rum and milk and warm Winter socks!--which by the way I was once asked to darn. I did strike at that! I don't mind mending Roddy's, but Stephen's?--No thanks!" Her clear young laugh rang out as she caught McTaggart's eye. "He's a somewhat spoilt young man, from all accounts. D'you think..." he paused a moment, then risked the question ... "d'you think your Mother's really ... a bit ... fond of him?" "No." Her tone was definite--"not ... like that." A faint colour stole up into her childish face, but loyally she went on, resenting the imputation. "Mother never flirts, you know. She hates that sort of thing. She's awfully down on other people too. That Mrs. Molineux, d'you remember the gossip? Mother cuts her now whenever they meet." McTaggart looked amused. "Funny, isn't it? Because, I suppose people ... talk! It's not everyone who'd understand Stephen." "Don't!" The girl's hand slipped from his arm. Then at his quick: "Oh--I don't mean _that_!--Of course I know your mother--she's one of the best--I didn't mean anything--don't be vexed, Jill. It's only that outsiders might be rather dense"--her face relaxed and she turned impulsively, gratitude shining in the gray eyes.