"If Edward do not come home soon, as I suspect this extraordinary mood is occasioned by the anticipation of his arrival, I am afraid your spirits will carry you half way over the Channel to meet him.

Mamma, take my advice, and keep a strict watch over the person of your niece." "You know, Ellen, you are as full of fun and mischief as I am, quiet and demure as we once thought you," said Lady Emily.
"Is she?
I am glad of it," said Mrs.Hamilton, playfully.

"Do not look so very much ashamed of your mirth, my dear Ellen, and bend over your work as if you had been guilty of some extraordinary misdemeanour.

You know how pleased I always am to see you happy, Ellen," she added, in a lower voice, as she laid her hand sportively on her niece's head, which was bent down to conceal the confusion Emmeline's words had called forth.
Some little time longer Mrs.Hamilton remained with the young party, entering with her usual kindness into all their pleasures and pursuits, and left them perhaps even happier than she had found them.
Ellen's change of manner had been noticed by the whole party assembled at Oakwood; and by most of them attributed to the anticipation of the long-absent Edward's return.

That indefinable manner which had formerly pervaded her whole conduct had disappeared.