ointed; but of course I was glad to see Silas, and
your little hobgoblin butler led me upstairs to his room a different way, I
think, from that I came before; but I don't know the house of Bartram well
enough to speak positively. I only know that I was conducted quite across
his bedroom, which I had not seen on my former visit, and so into his
sitting-room, where I found him.

'He seemed very glad to see me, came forward smiling--I disliked his smile
always--with both hands out, and shook mine with more warmth than I ever
remembered in his greeting before, and said--

'"My dear, _dear_ Monica, how _very_ good of you--the very person I longed
to see! I have been miserably ill, the sad consequence of still more
miserable anxiety. Sit down, pray, for a moment."

'And he paid me some nice little French compliment in verse.

'"And where is Maud?" said I.

'"I think Maud is by this time about halfway to Elverston," said the old
gentleman. "I persuaded her to take a drive, and advised a call there,
which seemed to please her, so I conjecture she obeyed."

'"How _very_ provoking!" cried I.

'"My poor Maud will be sadly disappointed, but you will console her by a
visit--you have promised to come, and I shall try to make you comfortable.
I shall be happier, Monica, with this proof of our perfect reconciliation.
You won't deny me?"

'"Certainly not. I am only too glad to come," said I; "and I want to thank
you, Silas."

'"For what?" said he.

'"For wishing to place Maud in my care. I am very much obliged to you."

'"I did not suggest it, I must say, Monica, with the least intention of
obliging _you_," said Silas.

'I thought he was going to break into one of his ungracious moods.

'"But I _am_ obliged to you--very much obliged to you, Silas; and you
sha'n't refuse my thanks."

'"I am happy, at all events, Monica, in having won your good-will; we learn
at last that in the affections only are our capacities for happiness; and
how true is St. Paul's preference of love--the principle that abideth! The
affections, dear Monica, are eternal; and being so, celestial, divine, and
consequently happy, deriving happiness, and bestowing it."

'I was always impatient of his or anybody else's metaphysics; but I
controlled myself, and only said, with my customary impudence--

'"Well, dear Silas, and when do you wish me to come?"

'"The earlier the better," said he.

'"Lady Mary and Ilbury will be leaving me on Tuesday morning