eternal fidelity.

Mark Hurdlestone heard of his brother's departure and safe arrival in
India with unspeakable satisfaction. With cautious steps he pursued the
path suggested to him by the implacable spirit of revenge. Before many
months had elapsed, the death of Mrs. Hurdlestone afforded him an
opportunity of obtaining a fresh introduction to Miss Wildegrave. At his
mother's particular request, Mrs. Wildegrave and her daughter had
visited her frequently during her dying illness; and as it exactly
suited his own purpose, Mark offered no objection, but did all in his
power to meet his mother's wishes. The dying woman felt an intense
desire to see the person for whom her favorite son had sacrificed so
much, and she was so pleased with his choice, that she forgave her all
the trouble she had occasioned, kept her constantly near her person
during her last illness, and finally expired in her arms.

To Elinor she owed much of the attention she received at that time from
her stern unloving son. He treated her with a degree of tenderness quite
unusual to him, anticipated all her comforts, and seldom left her
apartment. "They may call the Squire a harsh cruel man," said Elinor to
her mother, "but I must say, that I never saw a kinder or a better son."

After the funeral, Mark called upon Mrs. Wildegrave, to deliver into her
hands a few memorials of his mother's regard, to which he added some
handsome ornaments for Elinor out of his own purse, and he expressed in
the warmest terms his grateful thanks for their attention and kindness
to the deceased. He displayed so much feeling on this melancholy
occasion, and spoke with such affection and respect of his departed
parent, that it made a deep impression upon Mrs. Wildegrave and her
daughter.