one of those most near and dear to her, and rejoice in whatever was
for his welfare, glad that his heart was still young enough to form
new ties. 'Forgive me for speaking thus,' she added; 'I know that it
may wound you now, but there may come a time when it may make you
feel more at ease and unfettered; and I could not endure to imagine
that the affection which you brought yourself to lavish on one so
unworthy, should stand in the way of your happiness for life.' She
desired him to make no answer, but to consider this as the final
dissolution: and she concluded by all that she thought would prove
most consoling, as to the present state of affairs with her; and with
a few affectionate words, to show that he was still a great deal to
her, though everything he might not be.

This done, Mary faced her life in the New World. She had to form her
habits for herself, for her importance in the house was gone; but she
went to work resolutely, and, lonely as she was, she had far more
resources than if she had never been at Ormersfield. She had many
hours to herself, and she unpacked her books, and set herself courses
of study, to which Louis had opened the door. She unveiled her eyes
to natural history, and did not find flower or butterfly unsoothing.
She undertook the not very hopeful task of teaching a tiny negro imp,
who answered the purpose of a bell, to read and work; and she was
persevering in her efforts to get Xavier and Dolores to make her
father comfortable.

Her father was decidedly glad of her company. He liked conversation,
and enjoyed the morning meeting, to which Mr. Ward was often a
welcome addition, delighting in anything so English, and finding Miss
Ponsonby much improved by her introduction to English society.
Sometimes Mary wrote for her father, and now and then was consulted;