She half believed that Sir Thomas did labour under some delusion; but then she half believed also that he had upon his mind a sorrow, terribly real, which was in no sort delusive.

Under such circumstances, how could she advise her son?
Instead of advising him, she caressed him.
"But I may claim this from you, mother, that if Somers tells me nothing which ought to make me break my word to Clara, you will receive her as your daughter.

You will promise me that, will you not ?" Lady Fitzgerald did promise, warmly; assuring him that she already dearly loved Clara Desmond, that she would delight in having such a daughter-in-law, and that she would go to her to welcome her as such as soon as ever he should bid her do so.

With this Herbert was somewhat comforted, and immediately started on his search after Mr.
Somers.
I do not think that any person is to be found, as a rule, attached to English estates whose position is analogous to that of an Irish agent.

And there is a wide misunderstanding in England as to these Irish functionaries.