all to myself--which I never hoped--would I not be an ungrateful
woman if I did not thank God for it, John?"

"You are an excellent special pleader, aunt," he said, with a laugh, "as
most women whom I have known are: and I agree with you in everything.
You behaved to them, while it was _them_, angelically: you effaced
yourself, and I fully believe you never said a word against him. Also, I
believe that if circumstances changed, if anything happened to make her
see that she could go back to him----"

Mrs. Dennistoun started in spite of herself, and pressed her hands
together, with a half sob of dismay.

"I don't think it likely, but if it were so, you would sacrifice
yourself again--I haven't a doubt of it. Why, then, set up this piece of
humbug to me who know you so well, and pretend that you are not very
happy for the moment? You are, and you have a good right to be: and I
say enjoy it, my dear aunt; take all the good of it, you will have no
trouble from him."

"You think so, you really think so, John?"

"I have no doubt of it: and you must persuade Elinor. Don't think I am
making light of the situation: you'll have plenty to trouble you no
doubt, when that little shaver grows up----"

"John!"

"Well, he is a little shaver (whatever that may mean I'm sure I don't
know), if he were a little prince. When he grows up you will have your
business laid out for you, and I don't envy you the clearing up----"

"John don't speak as if a time would come when you would not stand by
us. I mean stand by Elinor."

"Your first phrase was much the best. I will stand by you both as a
matter of course."

"You must consider I shall be an old woman then; and who knows if I may
live to see the poor little darling grow up?"

"The poor little darling may never grow up, and none of us may live to
see it. One prediction is as good as another: but I think better things
of you, aunt, than that you would go and die and desert Elinor, unless
'so be as you couldn't help it,' as Pearson says. But, however, in the
meantime, dying of anybody is not in the question, and I hope both you
and she will take as much pleasure out of the baby and be as happy as
circumstances will allow. And I'll tell Pearson that there is no need
for him to act the dragon--either the Bible one, whom he did not think
you would like to have about the house, or any other--for the danger is
over. Trust me at least for that."

"I trust you for everything, John; but,