either of the old men had noticed that he had turned, Valentine was
walking with his cousin outside, but an uneasy sensation of surprise and
suspicion haunted him. He could not listen to John Mortimer's talk, and
when, the rest of the party had gone back to the house, he lingered
behind, returned to the garden, and, stooping down for an instant, saw
that it was as he had supposed; there, under the lilac bushes, were
lying those gathered lilies.

So he went back to the house. The two grandsons were to return home that
afternoon; the two sons were going to remain for a few days, that the
wishes of the deceased might have prompt attention, as regarded the
setting of the place in order. They were to sleep at the inn in the
hamlet, by their own desire, that, as they said, they might not give
trouble.

When Valentine entered the great parlour, his cousin was talking to
Peter's mother, and in the presence of his father and uncle he was
inviting her to let the boy come and stay awhile with his children
shortly.

Mrs. Peter Melcombe hesitated, and observed that her dear child had
never been away from her in his life, and was very shy.

"No wonder," quoth John Mortimer; "but I have several jolly little boys
and girls at home; they would soon cure him of that."

Mrs. Peter Melcombe seemed pleased. She had taken a great fancy to the
good-looking young widower; she remarked that Peter had never been used
to playing with other children--she was half-afraid he would get hurt;
but as Mr. Mortimer was so kind she would risk it.