'When the first pain of the sudden parting has passed,' said she, 'you
will like to remember the affection which you knew how to value,'

'If I had but known!' said Guy; 'but there was I, hasty, reckless,
disregarding his comfort, rebelling against--0, what would I not give
to have those restraints restored!'

'It is what we all feel in such losses,' said Mrs. Edmonstone. 'There
is always much to wish otherwise; but I am sure you can have the
happiness of knowing you were his great comfort.'

'It was what I ought to have been.'

She knew that nothing could have been more filial and affectionate than
his conduct, and tried to say something of the kind, but he would not
listen.

'That is worst of all,' he said; 'and you must not trust what they say
of me. They would be sure to praise me, if I was anything short of a
brute.'

A silence ensued, while Mrs. Edmonstone was trying to think of some
consolation. Suddenly Guy looked up, and spoke eagerly:-

'I want to ask something--a great favour--but you make me venture. You
see how I am left alone--you know how little I can trust myself. Will
you take me in hand--let me talk to you--and tell me if I am wrong, as
freely as if I were Charles? I know it is asking a great deal, but you
knew my grandfather, and it is in his name.'