Mrs. Pope astonished Marjorie by saying nothing about the all too
obvious event of the day for some time, but her manner to her second
daughter on their way home was strangely gentle. It was as if she had
realized for the first time that regret and unhappiness might come into
that young life. After supper, however, she spoke. They had all gone out
just before the children went to bed to look for the new moon; Daffy was
showing the pseudo-twins the old moon in the new moon's arms, and
Marjorie found herself standing by her mother's side. "I hope dear,"
said Mrs. Pope, "that it's all for the best--and that you've done
wisely, dear."
Marjorie was astonished and moved by her mother's tone.
"It's so difficult to know what _is_ for the best," Mrs. Pope went on.
"I had to do--as I did," said Marjorie.
"I only hope you may never find you have made a Great Mistake, dear. He
cares for you very, very much."
"Oh! we see it now!" cried Rom, "we see it now! Mummy, have you seen it?
Like a little old round ghost being nursed!"
When Marjorie said "Good-night," Mrs. Pope kissed her with an
unaccustomed effusion.
It occurred to Marjorie that after all her mother had no selfish end to
serve in this affair.