She repeated all that had passed between them the preceding day, unconsciously and cautiously condemning Grahame's excessive sternness, by relating, almost verbatim, Lilla's simply expressed wish that her father would let her love him.
She gained her point.

The softened and agitated father felt self-condemned as she proceeded; and earnestly implored her to give him one more proof of her friendship, by recommending him some lady under whose care he could with safety place his erring, yet naturally noble-minded and warm-hearted child.

A fashionable seminary, he was sure, would do her more harm than good, and he listened with eagerness to Mrs.Hamilton's description of Mrs.Douglas.The widow of a naval officer, who had for several years been in the habit of educating ten young ladies of the highest rank, and she mentioned one or two who had been her pupils, whose worth and mental endowments were well known to Grahame.
"Do not be guided entirely by me on a subject so important," she said, after recalling those families to his mind, whose daughters had been placed there; "make inquiries of all who know Mrs.Douglas, and see her yourself before you quite decide.

That I have a very high opinion of her is certain; but I should be sorry if you were to place Lilla with her upon my advice alone, when, in all probability," she added, with a smile, "you will find all Lady Helen's family opposed to the arrangement." "As they have never guided me right when they have interfered with my children, their approbation or disapproval will have little weight in my determination," answered Grahame.

"You have awakened me to a sense of my duty, Mrs.Hamilton, for which I cannot sufficiently express my gratitude.