ctly that of approbation.

"Well, yes; I certainly do think it probable. I am sure he admires
her, and I think it very likely to come to more. Would there be any
objection?"

"They are both very young," said Sir Thomas.

"But in Herbert's position will not a young marriage be the best
thing for him?"

"And she has no fortune; not a shilling. If he does marry young,
quite young you know, it might be prudent that his wife should have
something of her own."

"They'd live here," said Lady Fitzgerald, who knew that of all men
her husband was usually most free from mercenary feelings and an
over-anxiety as to increased wealth, either for himself or for his
children; "and I think it would be such a comfort to you. Herbert,
you see, is so fond of county business, and so little anxious for
what young men generally consider pleasure."

There was nothing more said about it at that moment; for the question
in some measure touched upon money matters and considerations as to
property, from all of which Lady Fitzgerald at present wished to keep
her husband's mind free. But towards the end of the drive he himself
again referred to it.

"She is a nice girl, isn't she?"

"Very nice, I think; as far as I've seen her."

"She is pretty, certainly."

"Very pretty; more than pretty; much more. She will be beautiful."

"But she is such a mere child. You do not think that anything will
come of it immediately;--not quite immediately?"

"Oh no; certainly not quite immediately. I think Herbert is not
calculated to be very sudden in any such feelings, or in the
expression of them: but I do think such an event very probable before
the winter is over."

In the mean time Herbert spent the whole day over at Desmond Court,
or at Clady. He found the countess delighted to see him, and both she
and Lady Clara went on with him to Clady. It was past five and quite
dark before he reached Castle Richmond, so that he barely got home in
time to dress for dinner.

The dinner-party that evening was more pleasant than usual. Sir
Thomas not only dined with them, but came into the drawing-room after
dinner, and to a certain extent joined in their conversation. Lady
Fitzgerald could see that this was done by a great effort; but it
was not remarked by Aunt Letty and the others, who were delighted to
have him with them, and to see him once more interested about their
interests.

And now the building of the mill had been settled, and the final
order