They then separated upon the most cordial terms; and Mrs. Lindsay, having mounted her vehicle, proceeded on her way home.  She was, however, far from satisfied at the success of her interview with the Goodwins.  So far as the consent of her father and mother went, all was, to be sure, quite as she could have wished it; but then, as to Alice herself, there might exist an insurmountable difficulty.  She did not at all relish the fact of that young lady’s taking her amusement with Mr. O’Connor, who she knew was of a handsome person and independent circumstances, and very likely to become a formidable rival to her son.  As matters stood, however, she resolved to conceal her apprehensions on this point, and to urge Harry to secure, if possible, the property, which both she herself and he had solely in view.  As for the girl, each of them looked on her as a cipher in the transaction, whose only value was rated by the broad acres which they could not secure without taking her along with them.

The family were dispersed when she returned home, and she, consequently, reserved the account of her mission until she should meet them in the evening.  At length the hour came, and she lost no time in opening the matter at full length, suppressing, at the same time, her own apprehensions of Alice’s consent, and her dread of the rivalry on the part of O’Connor.

“Well,” said she, “I have seen these people; I have called upon them, as you all know; and, as I said, I have seen them.”

“To very little purpose, I am afraid,” said her husband; “I don’t like your commencement of the report.”

“I suppose not,” she replied; “but, thank God, it is neither your liking nor disliking that we regard, Lindsay.  I have seen them, Harry; and I am glad to say that they are civil people.”

“Is it only now you found that out?” asked her husband; “why, they never were anything else, Jenny.”

“Well, really,” said she, “I shall be forced to ask you to leave the room if you proceed at this rate.  Children, will you protect me from the interruption and the studied insults of this man?”

“Father,” said Charles, “for Heaven’s sake will you allow her to state the result of her visit?  We are all very anxious to hear it; none more so than I.”

“Please except your elder brother,” said Harry, laughing, “whose interest you know, Charley, is most concerned.”

“Well, perhaps so,” said Charles; “of course, Harry—­but proceed, mother, we shan’t interrupt you.”

“O, go on,” said his mother, “go on; discuss the matter among you, I can wait; don’t hesitate to interrupt me; your father there has set you that gentlemanly example.”

“It must surely be good when it comes,” said Harry,with a smile; “but do proceed, my dear mother, and never mind these queer folk; go on at once, and let us know all:  we—­that is, myself—­are prepared for the worst; do proceed, mother.”

“Am I at liberty to speak?” said she, and she looked at them with a glance that expressed a very fierce interrogatory.  They all nodded, and she resumed: