OR, CLARENCE MORTIMER. - 95

 

After tea was served, and the family had
returned to the parlor, Uncle James went
away, and the boys were left alone with
Mrs. Mortimer.

Usually their evenings were very pleas-
antly spent in the cosey parlor so tastefully
furnished. Clare was always sure to take
his station close by his mother’s side, some-
_ times leaning his head on her shoulder while.

she talked to him, or read aloud to him, or. 5

told him stories, and Hal, seated upon a”. a,

bench at her feet, came in for his share of |
the pleasure.

Tt was all different now. Mrs. Mortimer
took her sewing with a look of cold dis-
pleasure, while Hal and Clare curled them-
selves up in the corners of a sofa at the
other side of the room. Theré was a con-

strained silence that was very painful to

bear.