It meant a hope that Rhoda might know the happiness which to her friend had been denied.
Everard's announcement of his passion for Miss Nunn seemed to Mary a well-calculated piece of boldness.

If he seriously sought Rhoda for his wife, this frank avowal of the desire before a third person might remove some of the peculiar difficulties of the case.

Whether willing or not to be wooed, Rhoda, in mere consistency with her pronounced opinions, must needs maintain a scornful silence on the subject of Everard's love-making; by assailing this proud reserve, this dignity which perchance had begun to burden its supporter, Everard made possible, if not inevitable, a discussion of his suit between the two women.

She who talks of her lover will be led to think of him.
Miss Barfoot knew not whether to hope for the marriage of this strange pair.

She was distrustful of her cousin, found it hard to imagine him a loyal husband, and could not be sure whether Rhoda's qualities were such as would ultimately retain or repel him.