"I will attend to her interests as honestly and thoroughly as I think you would yourself."
"I do not recommend Patient to you, since she is already rather your servant than mine, and you will be careful of her, I know. Celia has a great liking for her: I dare say she will wish to take her to England."
"Do you object to that, Madam?" asked Celia.
"Not in the least," replied Lady Ingram.
"Do you?" continued Celia, this time addressing Edward.
"For a time, certainly not. I should not like to part with her altogether; but, on the other hand, I should not allow you to travel to England without a woman in your company. Patient shall go with you, and after my marriage let her return to me, wherever I may resolve to dwell."
"Thank you. You will write to me, then?"
"I will come to you, if you are willing to receive me. We have seen very little of each other yet."
"Very little," said Celia, rather sadly.
"Now, my children, leave me," requested Lady Ingram, faintly. "I am too weak to converse much. Send Patient to me."