Lilla clasped her hands in sudden joy, and then, as if ashamed, hid her face, burning with blushes, on Ellen's hand.

Her companion stooped down to kiss her brow, and continued talking of her brother for some time longer.
From that day Ellen observed Lilla regained her usual animation, her eye sparkled, and her cheek often flushed, as if from some secret thought; her spirits only fell at the hour of parting, and Ellen felt assured they would quickly rise again, and the first packet she received from Llangwillan confirmed the supposition.

Mrs.Hamilton was surprised, but Ellen was not.
Preparations were now actively making for Herbert's visit to France, thence to bring home his betrothed.

His father and Percy had both resolved on accompanying him, and Mrs.Hamilton and Emmeline and Arthur anxiously anticipated the return of their long-absent friends.
A longer time than usual had elapsed between Mary's letters, and Herbert's anxiety was becoming more and more intense.

Two or three of his letters had remained unanswered; there were no tidings of either herself or her mother.