That night Mrs. Leigh stopped at home--that only night for many months. Even Tom, the scholar, looked up from his books in amazement; but then he remembered that Will had not been well, and that his mother's attention having been called to the circumstance, it was only natural she should stay to watch him. And no watching could be more tender, or more complete. Her loving eyes seemed never averted from his face--his grave, sad, careworn face. When Tom went to bed the mother left her seat, and going up to Will, where he sat looking at the fire, but not seeing it, she kissed his forehead, and said--"Will! lad, I've been to see Susan Palmer!"She felt the start under her hand which was placed on his shoulder, but he was silent for a minute or two. Then he said, -"What took you there, mother?"
"Why, my lad, it was likely I should wish to see one you cared for; Idid not put myself forward. I put on my Sunday clothes, and tried to behave as yo'd ha' liked me. At least, I remember trying at first;but after, I forgot all."
She rather wished that he would question her as to what made her forget all. But he only said -"How was she looking, mother?"