win; I had not the slightest intention of
offending her. Is she already made your judge and referee as to the
actions of your mother?"

Edwin was a good lad, though perhaps a little less loving than the rest
of the boys. His self-restraint, his exceeding patience, lulled the
threatened storm.

"But you will be kind to her, mother?--I know you will."

"Did I not say so?"

"And may I bring her to you here?"

"If you choose."

It was the first open recognition between the mother and her son's
betrothed. Their other meeting had been in public, when, with a
sedulous dread, both had behaved exactly as usual, and no word or
manner had betrayed their altered relations. Now, when for the first
time it was needful for Miss Silver to be received as a daughter elect,
with all the natural sympathy due from one woman to another under
similar circumstances, all the warmth of kindness due from a mother to
her son's chosen wife--then the want, the mournful want, made itself
felt.

Mrs. Halifax stood at the dining-room window, trying vainly to regain
self-control.

"If I could only love her! If only she had made me love her!" she
muttered, over and over again.

I hoped, from the bottom of my soul, that Edwin had not heard her--had
not seen her involuntarily recoil, as he led to his mother his handsome
girl that he seemed so proud of, his happy, affianced wife. Happiness
melts some natures, like spring and sunshine. Louise looked up with
swimming eyes.

"Oh! be kind to me! Nobody was ever kind to me till I came here!"

The good heart gave way: Mrs. Halifax opened her arms.

"Be true to Edwin--love Edwin, and I shall love you--I am sure I shall."

Kissing her once or twice, the mother let fall a few tears; then sat
down, still keeping the girl's hand, and busying herself with various
little kindnesses about her.

"Are you sure you are well wrapped up? Edwin, see that she has my fur
cloak in the carriage. What cold fingers! Have some wine before you
start, my dear."

Miss Silver altogether melted; sobbing, she murmured something about
forgiveness.

"Nay, did I say a word about forgiveness? Then, do not you. Let us be
patient--we shall all be happy in time."

"And--Guy?"

"Guy will be himself soon," returned the mother, rather proudly. "We
will not mention him, if you please, my dear."

At this moment, Guy must have heard the carriage-wheels and guessed
Miss Silver was going, for he appeared at the pa