He had nothing to do with their disposal in marriage; and the mother's spirit was already up in arms and prepared to do battle for her own independence, and for that of her children.

"If Bernard would marry well," said she, "I have no doubt it would be a comfort to you,"-- meaning to imply thereby that the squire had no right to trouble himself about any other marriage.
"That's just it," said the squire.

"It would be a great comfort to me.

And if he and Bell could make up their minds together, it would, I should think, be a great comfort to you also." "Bernard and Bell!" exclaimed Mrs Dale.

No idea of such a union had ever yet come upon her, and now in her surprise she sat silent.
She had always liked Bernard Dale, having felt for him more family affection than for any other of the Dale family beyond her own hearth.