an assurance that she would soon be better; and in another minute he was heard to drive off with his brother and Mr. Palmer.
"It is all quite right, I see, dear Helen. That which I have long wished, and sometimes hoped, has come to pass. I may truly say, 'I have seen the travail of my soul, and am satisfied;' but I must have no more faintings, nor crying either; the men are all vain enough, my dear, even the very best of them, and mustn't be led to suppose you love 'em too well. Your mamma used to twit poor Georgiana with her love, and call it indecent, which was a cruel word, and could never apply to any one of you dear creatures; but Dr. Gregory, whom every body read in my time, does say 'a woman should never allow a man to know the extent of her regard.' "
"Dear Mrs. Palmer, I never shall do that by Lord Meersbrook, for it is boundless."
"Well, well," said the old lady, "I can do no good, I see, with advice; but I must get you something of more use;" and she rang the bell for a cup of chocolate, then sent her up stairs to wash the traces of tears away, and make her hair a little tidy.
"But who is with poor mamma besides Fanchette?"
