bove all, he was a man who having once desired a thing
would desire it always.

Mrs Dale, when she was left alone, began to turn over the question
in her mind in a much fuller manner than the squire's presence had
as yet made possible for her. Would not such a marriage as this be
for them all the happiest domestic arrangement which circumstances
could afford? Her daughter would have no fortune, but here would
be prepared for her all the comforts which fortune can give. She
would be received into her uncle's house, not as some penniless,
portionless bride whom Bernard might have married and brought home,
but as the wife whom of all others Bernard's friends had thought
desirable for him. And then, as regarded Mrs Dale herself, there
would be nothing in such a marriage which would not be delightful
to her. It would give a realisation to all her dreams of future
happiness.

But, as she said to herself over and over again, all that must go for
nothing. It must be for Bell, and for her only, to answer Bernard's
question. In her mind there was something sacred in that idea of
love. She would regard her daughter almost as a castaway if she were
to marry any man without absolutely loving him,--loving him as Lily
loved her lover, with all her heart and all her strength.

With such a conviction as this strong upon her, she felt that she
could not say much to Bell that would be of any service.

CHAPTER XX

Dr Crofts

If there was anything in the world as to which Isabella Dale was
quite certain, it was this--that she was not in love with Dr Crofts.
As to being in love with her cousin Bernard, she had never had
occasion to ask herself any question on that head. She liked him
very well, but she had never thought of marrying him; and now, when
he made his proposal, she could not bring herself to think of it.
But as regards Dr Crofts, she had thought of it, and had make up her
mind--in the manner above described.

It may be said that she could not have been justified in discussing
the matter even within her own bosom, unless authorised to do so by
Dr Crofts himself. Let it then be considered that Dr Crofts had given
her some such authority. This may be done in more ways than one; and
Miss Dale could not have found herself asking herself questions about
him, unless there had been fitting occasion for her to do so.

The profession of a medical man in a small provincial town is not
often one which gives to its owner in