“It may be vain and wrong to say it, but- I'm afraid- Laurie is getting too fond of me.

Then you don't care for him in the way it is evident he begins to care for you? And Mrs March looked anxious as she put the question.

Mercy, no! I love the dear boy, as I always have, and am immensely proud of him, but as for anything more, it's out of the question.”