taking care to send his Australian partner imperative instructions for a
more prudent system of trading in the future.

The uneasiness and vexation produced by this business was still upon him
when he went down to Lidford; but he relied upon Marian Nowell's presence
to dissipate all his care.

He did find himself perfectly happy in her society. He was troubled by no
doubts as to her affection for him, no uncertainty as to the brightness
of the days that were to come. Her manner seemed to him all that a man
could wish in the future partner of his life. An innocent trustfulness in
his superior judgment, a childlike submission to his will which Marian
displayed upon all occasions, were alike flattering and delightful. Nor
did she ever appear to grow tired of that talk of their future which was
so pleasant to her lover. There was no shadow of doubt upon her face when
he spoke of the serene happiness which they two were to find in an
existence spent together. He was the first who had ever spoken to her of
these things, and she listened to him with an utter simplicity and
freshness of mind.

Time had reconciled Isabella Lister to her brother's choice, and she now
deigned to smile upon the lovers, very much to Gilbert's satisfaction. He
had been too proud to supplicate her good graces; but he was pleased that
his only sister should show herself gracious and affectionate to the girl
he loved so fondly. During this second visit of his, therefore, Marian
came very often to Lidford House; sometimes accompanied by her uncle,
sometimes alone; and there was perfect harmony between the elder and
younger lady.

The partridges upon Martin Lister's estate did not suffer much damage