It was very easy then to fan hope into conviction that here, in this old friend, he had found sweet balm for his wounded heart; and she determined at once to do all that she could do to help.

So very glowing, indeed, was her eagerness in the matter, that it looked suspiciously as if she thought, could she but bring this thing about, that old scores against herself would be erased.
Billy told herself, virtuously, however, that not only for Arkwright did she desire this marriage to take place, but for Alice Greggory.

In the very nature of things Alice would one day be left alone.

She was poor, and not very strong.

She sorely needed the shielding love and care of a good husband.