He saw her alone; imparted to her briefly but earnestly all that had passed, implored her to promise consent, and preserve his confidence even from his brothers and sisters; as so long a time must elapse ere they could indeed be united, that he dreaded their engagement being known.
"Even the good wishes of the dear members of home," he said, "would sound, I fear, but harshly on my ear.

I cannot define why I do not wish it known even to those I love; yet, dearest mother, indulge me.

The events of one day are hidden from us; how dark then must be those of three years.

No plighted promise has passed between us; it is but the confidence of mutual love; and that--oh, mother, I could not bear it torn from the recesses of my own breast to be a subject of conversation even to those dearest to me." His mother looked on the glowing countenance of her son; on him, who from, his birth had never by his conduct given her one single moment of care, and had she even disapproved of his secrecy, all he asked would have been granted him; but she approved of his resolution, and emotion glistened in her eye, as she said-- "My Herbert, if I had been privileged to select one among my young friends to be your wife, my choice would have fallen, without one moment's hesitation, on Mary Greville.

She, amid them all, I deem most worthy to be the partner of my son.