There they were to find Bell Robson installed in her future home; for Haytersbank Farm was to be given up to the new tenant on the very day of the wedding.

Sylvia would not be married any sooner; she said that she must stay there till the very last; and had said it with such determination that Philip had desisted from all urgency at once.
He had told her that all should be settled for her mother's comfort during their few hours' absence; otherwise Sylvia would not have gone at all.

He told her he should ask Hester, who was always so good and kind--who never yet had said him nay, to go to church with them as bridesmaid--for Sylvia would give no thought or care to anything but her mother--and that they would leave her at Haytersbank as they returned from church; she would manage Mrs Robson's removal--she would do this--do that--do everything.

Such friendly confidence had Philip in Hester's willingness and tender skill.

Sylvia acquiesced at length, and Philip took upon himself to speak to Hester on the subject.
'Hester,' said he, one day when he was preparing to go home after the shop was closed; 'would yo' mind stopping a bit?
I should like to show yo' the place now it's done up; and I've a favour to ask on yo' besides.' He was so happy he did not see her shiver all over.
She hesitated just a moment before she answered,-- 'I'll stay, if thou wishes it, Philip.