ile Maurice made his explanation
with no little warmth and indignation.

"Do you mean to say that you did not perceive how foolish and wrong it
had become for you to think of marrying Lucia?"

"How in the world could it be either foolish or wrong for me to wish to
marry the girl I have loved all my life? Unless, indeed, she preferred
somebody else."

"Remember who she is."

"I am not likely to forget that after all I have lately heard about her
from Mrs. Morton."

"And that you have a family and a position to think of now."

"And a home fit to offer to Lucia."

"Obstinate boy!"

"Call me what you will, but let it be understood that I have done
nothing to forfeit your promise. I am to take no further answers except
from Lucia."

"But you know, at least, that our worst fears were unfounded?"

"Of course they were. I always knew that would come right. But you have
suffered terribly; I am ashamed of my own selfishness when I think of
it."

"We have suffered. And my poor child so innocently, and so bravely.
Maurice, she is worth caring for."

"You shall see whether I value her or not. Here she comes!"

Lucia came in, the glow of pleasure still on her face which Maurice's
arrival had brought there. It was no wonder that both mother and lover
looked at her with delight as she moved about, too restlessly happy to
sit still, yet pausing every minute to ask some question or to listen
to what the others were saying. Indeed not one of the three could well
have been happier than they were that afternoon. Mrs. Costello felt that
she had done all she could in the cause of prudence, and therefore
rejoiced without compunction in seeing her favourite scheme for her
darling restored to her more perfect than ever. Maurice, without having
more than the minimum quantity of masculine vanity, had great faith in
the virtues of perseverance and fidelity, and took the full benefit of
Lucia's delight at seeing him; while Lucia herself was just simply
glad--so glad that for an hour or two she quite forgot to think of
Percy.

Maurice declared he had business which would keep him in Paris for some
weeks. He claimed permission therefore to come every day, and to take
Lucia to all the places where Mrs. Costello was not able to go.

"Oh, how charming!" Lucia cried. "I shall get some walks now. Do you
know, Maurice, mamma will not let me go anywhere by myself, and I can't
bear to make her walk; but you will go, won't you?"

"Indeed