And then, as regarded Mrs Dale herself, there would be nothing in such a marriage which would not be delightful to her.

It would give a realisation to all her dreams of future happiness.
But, as she said to herself over and over again, all that must go for nothing.

It must be for Bell, and for her only, to answer Bernard's question.

In her mind there was something sacred in that idea of love.

She would regard her daughter almost as a castaway if she were to marry any man without absolutely loving him,--loving him as Lily loved her lover, with all her heart and all her strength.
With such a conviction as this strong upon her, she felt that she could not say much to Bell that would be of any service..