But Herbert himself would exact the use of his own Christian name, for the delight of his own ears; that was a matter of course; that, doubtless, had been already done.
And then mother and daughter went to bed.

The countess, as she did so, was certainly happy to her heart's core.

Could it be that she had some hope, unrecognized by herself, that Owen Fitzgerald might now once more be welcomed at Desmond Court?
that something might now be done to rescue him from that slough of despond?
And Clara too was happy, though her happiness was mixed.

She did love Herbert Fitzgerald.

She was sure of that.