“Certainly,” replied Mr. Ellerslie, with a heavy sigh. “You had better retire to rest now; it is late. I shall wait at home to-morrow to see Hardcastle when he calls. You will tell me your wishes in the morning. George, my dear boy, good-night.”
He pressed his son for a moment closely to his breast, and then himself rapidly quitted the room. George sprang to the side of his mother.
“Mother—darling mother!” his arms were around her, his head buried on her bosom.
“Oh, George, my heart will break—will break! I cannot part with you!—I can never consent!”
“We will think, we will reflect over it, mother.”
“And pray—oh, my child! we will pray!”
CHAPTER XIV
CONCLUSION.
“THAT’S right, Lily, place the books ready; get everything right for dear mother,” said George, as, with a step and manner, oh, how changed! he entered the drawing-room the next morning.