It may be imagined that the squire would have less scruple in addressing the doctor on this matter than his wife would feel; and that his part of their present joint undertaking was less difficult than hers.  For he and the doctor had ever been friends at heart.  But, nevertheless, he did feel much scruple, as, with his stick in hand, he walked down to the little gate which opened out near the doctor’s house.

This feeling was so strong, that he walked on beyond this door to the entrance, thinking of what he was going to do, and then back again.  It seemed to be his fate to be depending always on the clemency or consideration of Dr Thorne.  At this moment the doctor was imposing the only obstacle which was offered to the sale of a great part of his estate.  Sir Louis, through his lawyer, was loudly accusing the doctor to sell, and the lawyer was loudly accusing the doctor of delaying to do so.  ‘He has the management of your property,’ said Mr Finnie; ’but he manages it in the interest of his own friend.  It is quite clear, and we will expose it.’  ‘By all means,’ said Sir Louis.  ’It is a d—­d shame, and it shall be exposed.’

When he reached the doctor’s house, he was shown into the drawing-room, and found Mary there alone.  It had always been the habit to kiss her forehead when he chanced to meet her about the house at Greshamsbury.  She had been younger and more childish then; but even now she was but a child to him, so he kissed her as he had been wont to do.  She blushed slightly as she looked up into his face, and said:  ’Oh, Mr Gresham, I am so glad to see you again.’

As he looked at her he could not but acknowledge that it was natural that Frank should love her.  He had never before seen that she was attractive;—­had never had an opinion about it.  She had grown up as a child under his eye; and as she had not had the name of being especially a pretty child, he had never thought on the subject.  Now he saw before him a woman whose every feature was full of spirit and animation; whose eye sparkled with more than mere brilliancy; whose face was full of intelligence; whose very smile was eloquent.  Was it to be wondered at that Frank should have learned to love her?

Miss Thorne wanted but one attribute which many consider essential to feminine beauty.  She had no brilliancy of complexion, no pearly whiteness, no vivid carnation; nor, indeed, did she possess the dark brilliance of a brunette.  But there was a speaking earnestness in her face; and expression of mental faculty which the squire now for the first time perceived to be charming.

And then he knew how good she was.  He knew well what was her nature; how generous, how open, how affectionate, and yet how proud!  Her pride was her fault; but even that was not a fault in his eyes.  Out of his own family there was no one whom he had loved, and could love, as he loved her.  He felt, and acknowledged, that no man could have a better wife.  And yet he was there with the express object of rescuing his son from such a marriage!