ose to the occasion, and she answered him in low, sweet tones when he
addressed her.

To the great relief of everyone except Mrs. Travers Mr. Relly took leave
before the cloth was drawn, excusing himself on the plea of having to
attend upon that aged servant of God, the Countess, who expected him to
consult on important business.

"If I may be so bold, may I beg you to convey my dutiful remembrances to
her ladyship?" Mrs. Travers said.

Mr. Relly assented, but in a manner which implied it was a very bold
request to make, and then departed.

As soon as they were alone and Giles had left the room, Leslie rose, and
going to his mother's chair, he said:

"I have brought you a daughter to-day, mother. You have often longed for
her appearance, and it is with joy and pride that I tell you Miss
Griselda Mainwaring has done me the honour to promise to be my wife and
your dear daughter."

Mrs. Travers's face displayed varying emotion as her son went on.
Surprise and disapproval were at first prominent; then the certainty
that Leslie was in earnest, and that to turn him from his purpose was at
all times hopeless, when his mind was set on any particular course of
action, brought tears to her eyes.

"Oh, my son!" she began; but Griselda left her chair, and, coming to her
side, she said:

"Madam, I pray you to receive me as your daughter. I will try to be a
loving and true wife. Madam, I am alone in the world, and as I have been
so happy as to win the love of your son, you must needs think kindly of
me. I will strive to be worthy of him."

This avowal was so entirely unexpected that Mrs. Travers could not at
first speak. This simple confession of love, this sad reference to her
lonely condition, this promise to be a true and loyal wife--how unlike
the coquettish and half-reluctant, half-triumphant manner which Mrs.
Travers thought a Bath belle would assume under these circumstances!

"My dear," she said, after a pause, during which Leslie had thrown his
arm protectingly round Griselda--"my dear, may I do my duty to you as my
only son's wife? I pray that you may be kept safe in this evil world,
and that we may mutually encourage each other to tread the narrow way
leading to everlasting happiness."

Griselda bent, and said simply:

"Kiss me, dear madam, in token of your approval;" and Mrs. Travers rose,
and very solemnly putting her arm round Griselda, and holding the hand
which was locked in her son's, pressed a kiss on