Clara had made herself known at Castle Richmond; and he had no doubt but that all this would be added to his cup of happiness.

There was therefore no alloy to debase his virgin gold as he trotted quickly into the stable-yard.
But he resolved that he would say nothing about the matter that night.

He could not well tell them all in full conclave together.
Early after breakfast he would go to his father's room; and after that, he would find his mother.

There would then be no doubt that the news would duly leak out among his sisters and Aunt Letty.
"Again only just barely in time, Herbert," said Mary, as they clustered round the fire before dinner.
"You can't say I ever keep you waiting; and I really think that's some praise for a man who has got a good many things on his hand." "So it is, Herbert," said Emmeline.

"But we have done something too.
We have been over to Berryhill; and the people have already begun there: they were at work with their pickaxes among the rocks by the river-side." "So much the better.