This second Mrs.Melbury was a placid woman, who had been nurse to his child Grace before her mother's death.

After that melancholy event little Grace had clung to the nurse with much affection; and ultimately Melbury, in dread lest the only woman who cared for the girl should be induced to leave her, persuaded the mild Lucy to marry him.

The arrangement--for it was little more--had worked satisfactorily enough; Grace had thriven, and Melbury had not repented.
He returned to the spar-house and found Giles near at hand, to whom he explained the change of plan.

"As she won't arrive till five o'clock, you can get your business very well over in time to receive her," said Melbury.

"The green gig will do for her; you'll spin along quicker with that, and won't be late upon the road.