they had grown, together loved, and now that the magic word had been spoken, what need was there for reserve? none; and reserve was banished.  No darkening clouds were then perceived; at that moment Mary thought not of her father, and if she did, could she believe that his consent to an union with a son of Mr. Hamilton would be difficult to obtain.  Marry they could not yet, and perhaps the unalloyed bliss of that hour might have originated in the fact that they thought only of the present—­the blessed knowledge that they loved each other, were mutually beloved.

The happiness glowing on Mary’s expressive countenance as she entered could not fail to attract the watchful eye of her mother, and almost unconsciously, and certainly indefinably, her own bosom reflected the pleasure of her child, and the pang of quitting England was partially eased of its bitterness.  Yet still it was a sorrowful moment when the time of separation actually came.  Their friends had gone on board with them, and remained till the signal for departure was given.  Mary had preferred the cabin to the confusion on deck, and there her friends left her.  In the sorrow of that moment Emmeline’s promise of composure was again forgotten; she clung weeping to Mary’s neck, till her father, with gentle persuasion, drew her away, and almost carried her on deck.  Herbert yet lingered; they were alone in the cabin, the confusion attendant on a departure preventing all fear of intruders.  He clasped Mary to his heart, in one long passionate embrace, then hastily placing the trembling girl in the arms of her mother, he murmured almost inaudibly—­

“Mrs. Greville, dearest Mrs. Greville, guard, oh, guard her for me, she will be mine; she will return to bless me, when I may claim and can cherish her as my wife.  Talk to her of me; let not the name of Herbert be prohibited between you.  I must not stay, yet one word more, Mrs. Greville—­say, oh, say you will not refuse me as your son, if three years hence Mary will still be mine.  Say your blessing will hallow our union; and oh, I feel it will then indeed be blessed!”

Overpowered with sudden surprise and unexpected joy, Mrs. Greville gazed for a moment speechlessly on the noble youth before her, and vainly the mother struggled to speak at this confirmation of her long-cherished hopes and wishes.

“Mother,” murmured Mary, alarmed at her silence, and burying her face in her bosom, “mother, will you not speak, will you not bid us hope?”

“God in Heaven bless you, my children!” she at length exclaimed, bursting into tears of heartfelt gratitude and joy.  “It was joy, joy,” she repeated, struggling for composure; “I expected not this blessing.  Yes, Herbert, we will speak of you, think of you, doubt us not, my son, my dear son.  A mother’s protecting care and soothing love will guard your Mary.  She is not only her mother’s treasure now.  Go, my beloved Herbert, you are summoned; farewell, and God bless you!”