There was a great deal in such an arrangement which at the first sight recommended it to her very strongly.

All the local circumstances were in its favour.

As regarded herself it would promise to her all that she had ever desired.

It would give her a prospect of seeing very much of Lily; for if Bell were settled at the old family house, Crosbie would naturally be much with his friend.

She liked Bernard also; and for a moment or two fancied, as she turned it all over in her mind, that, even yet, if such a marriage were to take place, there might grow up something like true regard between her and the old squire.