'Like her! Only too like her. Such confidence makes one feel a
redoubled responsibility.'

'I thought I had found something at which you could not grumble.'

'How does she look? How do they treat her?'

'Apparently they have not yet fed her on bread and water. No;
seriously, I must confess that she looked uncommonly well and lovely!
Never mind, Jem; I verily believe that, in spite of absence and all
that, she had never been so happy in her life. If any description
could convey the sweetness of voice and manner when she spoke of you!
I could not look in her face. Those looks can only be for you. We
talked it over, but she heeded no ways and means; it was enough that
you were satisfied. She says the subject has never been broached
since the flight from Northwold, and that Lady Conway's kindness
never varies; and she told me she had little fear but that her dear
mamma would be prevailed on to give sanction enough to hinder her
from feeling as if she were doing wrong, or setting a bad example to
her sisters. They know nothing of it; but Walter, who learnt it no
one knows how, draws the exemplary moral, that it serves his mother
right for inflicting a tutor on him.'

'Has she had my letter? Does she know I am here?'

'Wait! All this settled, and luncheon being ready, down came my
Lady, and we played unconsciousness to our best ability. I must
confess my aunt beat us hollow! Isabel then left us to our
conference, which we conducted with the gravity of a tailor and an