Mabel looked up, and light played in her eyes, and danced about her countenance. It is so pleasant to be trusted when we mean to be trustworthy.
"One thing I have forgotten to mention," observed the lady, after another long pause, which she sustained with as much composure as before. "One of my little girls is a great invalid—indeed, is unable to walk, and I must stipulate for something more than common kindness to her."
"I had a little sister, who could not rise in her bed," was the affectionate reply, and while her eyes moistened, the mother's filled with tears.
"And when may I come to you?" enquired Mabel, a little eagerly.
"I must make some little arrangements for you," replied Mrs. Noble, "otherwise I would take you with me; but you may come to me this day week, and you will then join me at Weymouth. You must come by the coach, and a servant shall be waiting to meet you, and bring you to me. Did Mr. Morley tell you that I wished you to accompany me, in a few weeks, to the south of France?"
"No, ma'am; but I shall be most ready to go there."
Perceiving that there was no more to be said, Mabel put on her bonnet, and, with Mr. Morley, wished her good evening.
"Well," said her companion, when they were again in the street, "you have to fight the battle of life under new circumstances, that is all."
"Yes, that is all," said Mabel, cheerfully, "and with many thanks for the helping hand you have given me."
"I fear you will not be sufficiently tried to bring out the whole strength of your moral character, which I wish, for your sake, to see developed. She half loves you already."