‘I dare say it has been the first thing she has said to him,’ said Albinia.  ’She is a noble little creature!  But what have you done with them now?’

’I brought him to her in the parsonage garden.  I believe they are walking in the lanes,’ said Mr. Kendal, much gratified with his morning’s work.

‘She deserves him,’ said Sophy; and then her eyes became set, as if looking into far distance.

The walk in the lanes had not ended by luncheon-time, and an afternoon loaded with callers was oppressive, but Sophy kept up well.  At last, in the twilight, the door was heard to open, and Genevieve came in alone.  They listened, and knew she must have run up to her own room.  What did it portend?  Albinia must be the one to go and see, so after a due interval, she went up and knocked.  Genevieve opened the door, and threw herself into her arms.  ’Dear Mrs. Kendal!  Oh! have I done wrong?  I am so very happy, and I cannot help it!’

Albinia kissed her, and assured her she had done nothing to repent of.

’I am so glad you think so.  I never dreamt such happiness could be meant for me, and I am afraid lest I should have been selfish and wrong, and bring trouble on him.’

‘We have been all saying you deserve him.’

’Oh no—­no—­so good, so noble, so heroic as he is.  How could he think of the poor little French teacher!  And he will pay my aunt’s fifty pounds!  I told him all, and he knew it before, and yet he loves me!  Oh! why are people so very good to me?’

‘I could easily find an answer to that question,’ said Albinia.  ‘Where is he, my dear?’

’He is gone home.  I would not come into the town with him.  It is nothing, you know; no one must hear of it, for he must be free unless his parents consent—­and I know they never can,’ she said, shaking her head, sadly, ’but even then I shall have one secret of happiness--I shall know what has been!  But oh!  Mrs. Kendal, let me go away—­’

‘Go away now?’ exclaimed Albinia.

’Yes—­it cannot be—­here, in this house!  Oh! it is outraging your kindness.’

‘No,’ said Albinia; ’it is but letting us fulfil a very precious charge.’

Genevieve’s tears flowed as she said, ’Such goodness!  Mr. Kendal spoke to me in this way in the morning, when he was more kind and patient than I can express.  But tell me, dearest madame, tell me candidly, is my remaining here the cause of any secret pain to him?’

With regard to him, Albinia could answer sincerely that it was a gratification; and Genevieve owned that she should be glad to await the letters from Ireland, which she tried to persuade herself she believed would put an end to everything, except the precious remembrance.

Sophy here came in with some tea.  She had recollected that Genevieve had wandered all day without any bodily sustenance.

There was great sweetness in the quiet, grave manner in which she bent over her friend and kissed her brow.  All she said was, ’Papa had goes to fetch him to dinner.  Genevieve, you must let me do your hair.’