"There has been no opportunity for him to speak out freely." "That disability no longer exists." "True, and I shall expect from him an early and significant communication." "Let us look this matter directly in the face, Edward," said Mrs.
Markland, in a sober voice.

"Suppose he ask for the hand of our daughter." "A thing not at all unlikely to happen," answered her husband.
"What then ?" "I fear you are prejudiced against Mr.Lyon," said Markland, a little coldly.
"I love my child!" was the simple, touching answer.
"Well ?" "I am a woman," she further said, "and know the wants of a woman's heart.

I am a wife, and have been too tenderly loved and cared for, not to desire a like happy condition for my child." And she leaned against her husband, and gazed into his face with a countenance full of thankful love.
"Mr.Lyon is a man of honour," said Mr.Markland.

"Has he a tender, loving heart?
Can he appreciate a woman ?" "If Fanny loves him--" "Oh, Edward! Edward!" returned his wife, interrupting him.

"She is only a child, and yet incapable of genuine love.