'No one loves me,-no one cares for me, but you, mother.' (...) She put her hands on his shoulders; she was a tall woman. She looked into his face; she made him look at her. 'Mother's love is given by God, John. It holds fast for ever and ever. A girl's love is like a puff of smoke,-it changes with every wind. And she would not have you, my own lad, would not she?'