She had gone to India almost as a child, and England had not been
specially kind to her on her return. She had found it dull and
cold, stiff, and almost ill-natured. People there had not smiled on
her and been civil as M. Lacordaire had done. As far as England and
Englishmen were considered she saw no reason why she should not
marry M. Lacordaire.

And then, as regarded the man; could she in her heart say that she
was prepared to love, honour, and obey M. Lacordaire? She certainly
knew no reason why she should not do so. She did not know much of
him, she said to herself at first; but she knew as much, she said
afterwards, as she had known personally of Mr. Thompson before their
marriage. She had known, to be sure, what was Mr. Thompson's
profession and what his income; or, if not, some one else had known
for her. As to both these points she was quite in the dark as
regarded M. Lacordaire.

Personally, she certainly did like him, as she said to herself more
than once. There was a courtesy and softness about him which were
very gratifying to her; and then, his appearance was so much in his
favour. He was not very young, she acknowledged; but neither was
she young herself. It was quite evident that he was fond of her
children, and that he would be a kind and affectionate father to
them. Indeed, there was kindness in all that he did.

Should she marry again,--and she put it to herself quite
hypothetically,--she would look for no romance in such a second
marriage. She would be content to sit down in a quiet home, to the
tame dull realities of life, satisfied with the companionship of a
man who would be kind and gentle to her, and whom she could respect