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"My child, you are far too young to think of falling in love.

Besides, what do you know of this young man? You don't even know

his name. The whole thing is most inconvenient, and really, when

James is going away to Australia, and I have so much to think of,

I must say that you should have shown more consideration.

However, as I said before, if he is rich ..."

"Ah! Mother, Mother, let me be happy!"

Mrs. Vane glanced at her, and with one of those false theatrical

gestures that so often become a mode of second nature to a

stage-player, clasped her in her arms. At this moment, the door

opened and a young lad with rough brown hair came into the room.

He was thick-set of figure, and his hands and feet were large and

somewhat clumsy in movement. He was not so finely bred as his

sister. One would hardly have guessed the close relationship that

existed between them. Mrs. Vane fixed her eyes on him and

intensified her smile. She mentally elevated her son to the

dignity of an audience. She felt sure that the tableau was

interesting.