as it were by such a conclusion
confessed it was right the question should be thus "settled," Guy's
mother seemed more herself.

"Yes," she repeated; "John thinks it ought to be. At least, that she
should know Guy's--the feeling with which Guy regards her. If, after
the probation of a year, it still remains, and he is content to begin
life on a small income, we have given our consent to our son's
marriage."

It struck me how the mother's mind entirely dwelt on the one party in
this matter--"Guy's feelings"--"Our son's marriage"--and so on. The
other side of the question, or the possibility of any hindrance there,
never seemed to enter her imagination. Perhaps it would not, even into
mine, for I shared the family faith in its best-beloved Guy; but for
Mrs. Halifax's so entirely ignoring the idea that any consent except
her son's and his parents' was necessary to this marriage.

"It will not part him from us so very much, you see, Phineas," she
said, evidently trying to view the bright side--"and she has no
relatives living--not one. For income--Guy will have the entire profit
of the Norton Bury mills; and they might begin, as we did, in the old
Norton Bury house--the dear old house."

The thought of her own young days seemed to come, soothingly and sweet,
taking the sting out of her pain, showing her how it was but right and
justice that Nature's holy law should be fulfilled--that children, in
their turn, should love, and marry, and be happy, like their parents.

"Yes," she answered, as I gently hinted this; "I know you are right;
all is quite right, and as it should be, though it was a shock at
first. No matter: John esteems her--John likes her. For me--oh, I
shall make a capital--what is it?--a capital MOTHER-IN-LAW--in time!"

With that smile, which was almost cheerful, she bade me
good-night--rather hastily, perhaps, as if she wished to leave me while
her cheerfulness lasted. Then I heard her step along the passage,
pausing once--most likely at Guy's room door; her own closed, and the
house was in silence.

I rose early in the morning;--not one whit too early, for I met Miss
Silver in the hall, bonneted and shawled, carrying down with her own
hands a portion of her chattels. She evidently contemplated an
immediate departure. It was with the greatest difficulty that, without
betraying my reasons, which, of course, was impossible, I could
persuade her to change her determination.

Poor girl! last