Morphew had kept his promise to quit the garret in Chelsea, but what was since become of him Harvey knew not; the project of their going together into Wales had, of course, fallen through.
Lastly, Mary Abbott--for so had Harvey come to name his friend's widow.
Mary Abbott! how would she receive this news?
It would come upon her as the strangest surprise; not the mere fact of his marrying, but that he had chosen for a wife, out of the whole world, the daughter of Bennet Frothingham.

Would she be able to think kindly of him after this?
Of Mrs.Frothingham she could speak generously, seeming to have outlived natural bitterness; but the name must always be unwelcome to her ears.
Alma would cease to bear that name, and perhaps, in days to come, Mary Abbott might forget it.

He could only hope so, and that the two women might come together.

On Alma's side, surely, no reluctance need be feared; and Mary, after her ordeal, was giving proof of sense and character which inspired a large trust.

He would write to her in the most open-hearted way; indeed, no other tone was possible, having regard to the relations that had grown up between them.
How the aspect of his little world was changing! A year ago, what things more improbable than that he should win Alma Frothingham for a wife, and become the cordial friend of Mary Abbott?
When the revelation could be postponed no longer, he made known to Mrs Handover that he was about to be married.