“Oh, I don’t mean to meddle with your affairs; but young people are very unwary.  You think as how you’re too handsome for your husband to think of looking at another woman; but I know the world better nor that.  Howsomever, that is neither here nor there.  But you know I am risking my annuity from Mr. Phillips by coming here to see you; but I heard in Adelaide that for the first time since you was married I might have the chance of seeing you, without making dispeace, which is the last thing I would wish to do.  So, Betsy, if you will be reasonable, and let me come again, as Mrs. Mahoney (an old neighbour in New South Wales), and help me, as you say, with money to take me away, I will be as quiet as a mouse.  It is a pleasure to see you, and to speak to you.  Give me a little needlework, and let me sit with your maid, and just have a look at you now and then, and at the baby.  I ain’t seen none of your children, Betsy.  Because you’ve been so well off, and had no cares, you shouldn’t turn off your mother in that unfeeling way.”

“Oh, I wish I dare do it.  But if Stanley was to come—­he may come suddenly.  I’ve sent him a message to hurry home.  You can’t think what a good, kind husband he is to me, mother.  But he’d be furious if he found you here.”

“Oh, if he comes home you do not need me to work any longer; and you can give the girl that message; and you can drop me a hint if I happen to be in the house.  Even if he was to see me here, I know I could find some reason.  I am never without an excuse.”

Mrs. Phillips was not particularly fond of her mother, who had been very harsh and violent-tempered to her in her childish days, while she was as fond of her husband as she could be of any one but herself, and she knew with what abhorrence he regarded this fierce, cunning old woman.  She wished Mrs. Peck to be satisfied with this one visit and to come back no more, for she feared that Alice and the other servants might suspect something, and she had no confidence in her own powers of concealment.  But Mrs. Peck had more ammunition in her chest; she again began to sob, and showed symptoms of going into violent hysterics, and bewailed her own hard lot and the cruelty of her ungrateful daughter so loudly, that she was glad to agree to her demands to make her keep quiet for the present.

Mrs. Peck then saw the baby, which she admired exceedingly, and accepted of some refreshments.  Mrs. Phillips got her purse, and really gave her some money; and shortly after, her mother took leave, engaging to come back on the following morning to do some needlework, and uttering many blessings on Mrs. Phillips for her kindness and generosity in Alice’s hearing.  Mrs. Phillips looked greatly relieved when she was out of the house, but the apprehension of her return weighed considerably on her mind.

Chapter VII.

Business Interrupted By Love