Miss Harcourt declined that offer, for Mr.Hamilton and Percy had both declared their intention of accompanying her as far as Paris, and thence to Geneva, where Mr.Seymour resided.
It was long ere Mr.Hamilton's family became reconciled to this change; Oakwood appeared so strange without the kind, the gentle Miss Harcourt, whose steady yet mild firmness had so ably assisted Mrs.Hamilton in the rearing of her now blooming and virtuous family.

It required some exertion, not only in Emmeline but in Ellen, to pursue their studies with any perseverance, now that the dear friend who had directed and encouraged them had departed.

Ellen's grateful affection had the last few years been returned with equal warmth; that prejudice which had at first characterised Miss Harcourt's feelings towards her had entirely vanished during her sufferings, and a few days before her departure, Lucy with much feeling had admitted the uncalled for harshness with which she too had treated her in her months of misery, and playfully yet earnestly asked her forgiveness.

They were alone, and Ellen's only answer had been to throw herself on her friend's neck and weep.
Before Christmas came, however, these painful feelings had been conquered.

Pleasing letters from Miss Harcourt arrived by almost every post for one or other of the inmates of Oakwood, and their contents breathing her own happiness, and the warmest, most affectionate interest in the dear ones she had left, satisfied even Emmeline, from whom a fortnight's visit from the Earl and Countess of Elmore had banished all remaining trace of sadness.