But having reached the door, the old woman turned her wet face, and seeing the portrait of Stowell's mother on the wall, and mistaking it for that of Fenella, she said,
"They're telling me you're to be married soon, your Honour. May the Lord give you peace and love in your own home, and that's better than gold or lands, Sir."
Stowell tried to reply, but he could only wave his hand and turn to the window as the old woman left the room.
Why not? What sin against God would it be to unite this suffering woman to her suffering daughter, if he could do so without wronging Justice?
A moment afterwards Janet came back wiping her eyes.
"Oh, these mothers! They're fit enough to break one's heart, Victor."
III
Stowell was in the dining-room next day when he heard the clatter of a horse's hoofs on the drive, and, a moment later, a voice in the hall, saying,
"The Deemster will see me, Jane."
It was Alick Gell. His tall figure was more bent than usual; his hair was disordered; his eyes glittered; he was deeply agitated.