"You have deprived me of the power," she said, with a mournful expression strangely at variance with the words, "little rebel, to perform a mother's part. Yet I fain would do it."
She placed Mildred's hand in that of Randolph.
"Take her," she said, "Randolph Trevethlan, and may you know a happiness which has never been mine."
Mildred threw herself into her mother's arms.
"My children," Esther continued, "you will make your home here, till.... And where is Helen?"
Mrs. Winston said, that Helen would perhaps pay her another visit. And in a short time Mrs. Pendarrel quitted the room. She left more of anxiety than of comfort behind her.
"Oh, Gertrude," Mildred exclaimed, "how fearfully she is changed!"
The alteration was indeed too evident to escape notice.
"Do not fear now," Mrs. Winston said; "it has been a trying time, but it is over now. All will be well, Mildred dear."
It was kindly said, and well it would be if the anticipation were fulfilled. But the agitation through which Esther had gone was too likely to leave its traces for many days to come.