Laura found her mother standing where they had left her. She had been deeply stirred by the sight of Cassandra with the child in her arms. Not that beautiful mothers and lovely children were rare in England; but that, except for the children of the poor, no little one like this had been in her own home or so near her in all the years of her widowhood. It was the sight of that strong mother love, overpowering and sweeping all before it, recognizing no lesser call--the secret and holy power that lies in the Christ-mother, for all periods and all peoples--she herself had felt it--and the cry that had burst from Cassandra's lips, "My baby--he is mine." Tears stood in Lady Thryng's eyes, and yet it was such a simple little thing. Mothers and babies? Why, they were everywhere. "She moved like a tragic queen," said Lady Clara. "What was the matter?" "Nothing, only her baby had been crying; but wasn't he a love?" said Lady Laura. "I say! He was a perfect dear!" said one and another. "I don't care much for babies," said Lady Clara. "They ought to be trained to stay with their nurses and not cry after their mammas like that. Fancy having to take such a child around with one everywhere, even in making a formal call, you know! Isn't it absurd? American women spoil their children dreadfully, I have heard." CHAPTER XXXI IN WHICH DAVID AND HIS MOTHER DO NOT AGREE The day after Cassandra's flight from Queensderry David returned. Although greatly prolonged, his African expedition had been successful, and he was pleased. He had improved his opportunities to learn political conditions and know what might best advance England's power in that remote portion of her possessions. Mr. Stretton had informed him that he might soon be called to a seat in the House, and he was glad to be in a measure prepared to hold opinions of his own on a few, at least, of the vital issues. Canada he already knew well, and to be conversant also with the state of affairs in South Africa gave him greater confidence. The first afternoon of his return he spent in looking over the changes which had been in progress at Daneshead during his absence. In spite of his weariness, he seemed buoyant and gay, more so, his mother thought, than at any time since his return from America. She said nothing about the episode of Cassandra's call,--possibly for the time it was forgotten,--but as they parted for the night, when they were alone together, Lady Thryng again broached to her son the subject of his marriage. "We have had a visit from Lady Clara Temple," she said.