In all her children Mrs.
Hamilton felt indeed her cares fully repaid, and in Ellen more, far more than she had ventured to anticipate.

Thus left alone in her filial cares, Ellen's character appeared different to what it had been when one of many.

Steady, quiet cheerfulness was restored to the hearts of all who now composed the small domestic circle of Mr.Hamilton's family; each had their private moments when sorrow for the loss of their beloved Herbert was indeed recalled in all its bitterness, but such sacred hours never were permitted to tinge their daily lives with gloom.
They were now in daily expectation of St.Eval's return to England, with Miss Manvers, who, at Mrs.Hamilton's particular request, was to join their family party.

An understanding had taken place between her and Percy, but not yet did either intend their engagement to be known.

The sympathy and affection of Louisa were indeed most soothing to Percy in this affliction, which, even when months had passed, he could not conquer, but he could not think of entering into the bonds of marriage, even with the woman he sincerely loved, till his heart could, in some degree, recover the deep wound which the death of his only brother had so painfully inflicted.