business," and only was in a slight degree reassured by
being put in mind that there was always something to settle at Lady-day.
Henrietta thought her uncle looked grave; and as she was especially
anxious to prevent either herself or Fred from being frightened, she
would not leave him alone in Fred's room, knowing full well that
no questions would be asked except in private--none at least of the
description which she dreaded.

All Fred attempted was the making his long-mediated request that he
might visit his mother, and Uncle Geoffrey undertook to see whether it
was possible. Numerous messages passed, and at length it was arranged
that on Sunday, just before afternoon service, when the house was quiet,
his uncle should help him to her room, where his aunt would read to them
both.

Frederick made quite a preparation for what was to him a great
undertaking. He sat counting the hours all the morning; and when at
length the time arrived, his heart beat so violently, that it seemed to
take away all the little strength he had. His uncle came in, but waited
a few moments; then said, with some hesitation, "Fred, you must be
prepared to see her a good deal altered."

"Yes," said Fred, impatiently.

"And take the greatest care not to agitate her. Can you be trusted? I do
not ask it for your own sake."

"Yes," said Fred, resolutely.

"Then come."

And in process of time Fred was at her door. There he quitted his
uncle's arm, and came forward alone to the large easy chair where she
sat by the fire-side. She started joyfully forward, and soon he was on
one knee before her, her arms round his neck, her tears dropping on
his face, and a quiet sense of excessive happiness felt by both. Then
rising, he sank back into another great chair, which his sister had
arranged for him close to hers, and too much out of breath to speak, he
passively let Henrietta make him comfortable there; while holding his
mother's hand, he kept his eyes fixed upon her, and she, anxious only
for him, patted his cushions, offered her own, and pushed her footstool
towards him.

A few words passed between Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Langford outside the
door.

"I still think it a great risk," said she.

"But I should not feel justified in preventing it," was his answer,
"only do not leave them long alone." Then opening the door he called,
"Henrietta, there is the last bell." And Henrietta, much against her
will, was obliged to go with him to Church.

"G